\ 





;^^^^^ 



WITH RESPECTS OF MRS. GOVERNOR B. F. PERRY. 



^^En]II]ISgEI]0ES^ 



OF 



V) 



-L \_J 



iji 







H 



-^L) 



WITH 



gPEE6HEg ftI]D fiDDI^EggEg, 



BY 



BX-gOV. BBI2JtII]IIJ P]^ftI]KLII^ PB^Y, 



Of GREENVILLE, S. C. 



SECOND SERIES. 



Noble in Every Thought 
And in Every Deed." 



GREENVILLE, S. C. 

SHANNON & CO., Printers, 
1889. 



n 



(?C t> O 



-p^ 



X 



t(^?i<i,^- 



THIS BOOK 

IS DEDICATED TO OUR GRANDCHILDREN, 

IN MEMORY OF THEIR NOBLE GRANDFATHER, 

BY THEIR GRANDMOTHER; 

COMPILED BY HER, 

THAT THEY MAY UNDERSTAND THE EXALTED PRINCIPLES 

THAT GOVERNED HIM THROUGH LIFE 

AND MADE HIM THE WISE, THE BRAVE, THE UNSELFISH PATRIOT 

THAT HE WAS, 

"without fear AND WITHOUT REPROACH." 



" So dear I love him, that with him all deaths I would endure ; 
Without him live no life." 



SANS SOUCI, GREENVILLE, So. Ca., April 27, 1889. 



0//, 



/^ 



PREFACE. 

The Keminisceiiceh and other articles in thih book were written (with 
a few exceptions) between the years 1872 and (H76, when South Caro 
lina was under Nadtcal -^w^ Ne^ro rule, before the State was "redeemed, 
regenerated and disenthralled '" through the influence and by the efforts 
of Oeneral A'ade Hampton. Hence the frequent allusion> of the writer 
lo the lamentable condition of South (Jarolina. The articles selected 
by the wife unassisted) are of historic value, interesting to the sur- 
viving actors in the troublous times of Nullification, .Secession and 
disunion, and giving information lo many of the present generation who 
are unacquainted with the history of that period. 



INDEX. 



Biographical Sketches — ^^^g''- 

Benton, Thomas H '•• i° 

Burke, /Edanus '3 

Burt, Armistead 5 

Butler, Mrs. Jane Tweedy 25 

J Butler, Gen. M. C 22 

Butler, Benjamin F 32 

Chase, Salmon P 4° 

Colcock, Charles J 35 

Corw'in, Thomas 39 

Crittenden, John J 44 

Cunningham, Mrs. Louisa 53 

Dargan, George W 63 

Dawkins, Thomas N 68 

DeSaussure, William Henry 59 

Earle, Samuel 77 

Easley, William K 72 

Everett, Edward 83 

Fair, Simeon °" 

Fillmore, Millard 9^ 

Frost, Edward 91 

Gaston, William •03 

\ Hampton, Wade 108 

Hancock, Winfield Scott 5' 

Henry, James Edward ^M 

Houston, Sam '19 

Irby, James H 123 

Johnston, Job 130 

"Johnston's Wife of Louisiana" I35 

Kent, James ^39 

Lieber, Francis '45 

Martin, William D - 15° 

Meade, George G 14° 

Pierce, Franklin 100 

Polk, James K 9^ 

Scott, Winfield 121 

Seymour, Horatio '53 

Simms, William Gilmore »55 



n Index. 

Stanton, Edwin M . . 1 58 

Thomson, Andrew W . , 161 

Van Buren, Martin 184 

Wardlaw, David Lewis. ... 166 

Whitner, Joseph N. . . . . 180 

Wright, Silas 186 

Young, Henry C 173 

Letters — 

Austin, V\ . G . . . . igo 

Austin, \\'. Cj 195 

Battle, Kemp P . 386 

Bird, Hugh S 385 

Courtenay, Hon. W illia>n A 331 

Davis, Jefferson C 337 

Desportes, K. S 334 

I 'ozier, Hon. K 335 

Ewbanks, Henry 333 

Ferguson, Rev. Henry G 192 

Fowler, G. H 197 

Harris, N. S 338 

Junes, Lambert J ■ -^84 

Keitt, Joseph L 336 

KoUock, Dr. Cornelius 333 

KoUock, Dr. Cornelius 195 

Loos, Charles Louis 386 

Patterson, Hon. Giles J . 332 

Patton, Prof. I£. L .... 194 

Patton, Prof. E. L 198 

Perry, Hon. Amos . . . 337 

Reid, Rev. Robert H . . 192 

Reid, Rev. Robert H 362 

Rice, Hon. Jas. H 339 

Richardson, H. Clay.' 339 

Shannon, J. R 387 

Simonton, Judge Charles H 189 

Weber, John L 190 

Williams, Hon. George W 332 

History of Nullification, written by Gov. Perry in 1872 igg 

History of the State Conventions in South Carolina in 1832 and 

1833, written by Gov. Perry in 1872 214 

Speech delivered by Gov. Perry in Greenville, after the surren- 
der of Gens. Lee and Johnston, July 3, 1865 229 



Index. hi 

History of the Provisional Government in 1865 242 

Farewell Speech of the Provisional Governor in 1865 292 

History of the National Union Convention in Philadelphia, in 1866. 297 

Who Freed the Slaves. Letter written by Governor Perry in 1876 308 

Address before the Literary Societies of Furman University, Green- 
ville, South Carolina, June 24, 1878 315 

Address before the Philophrenian Society of Walhalla Female Col- 
lege, South Carolina, June 24, 1879 341 

Joining the Republican Party, written July 8, 1880 ... 358 

Address before the Keidville Female College, Spartanburg County, 
South Carolina, June 20, 1882 (Subject, "The Past, Present and 
Future of South Carolina " . 362 

History of the New York Convention in 1868, written by Governor 

in 1875 380 



^ 
^ 






^1 ^ 



GOV. B. F. PltRRY, OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 



COMMUNICATION FROM REV. DR. H. MELVILLE 
JACKSON, OF Grace Church, Richmond, Va. 

This I'einai'kable man and eminent statcsmnn, wlio 
but a sliDi't time a<iO brought to its close a, lono- mid 
usefnl life, is. ])ei-liaps. o\vin<»' to the privacy and secbi- 
sion in which he spent the closing- years of his life, but 
little known to the yonng'ei' men of the present <;enei'a- 
tion. 

And yet thei-e are few men of our times whose lives 
are so well worth the knowing-. The sterlino- integrity 
and strength of cha-i-acter, the fiini adherence to 
principles, the undaunted courage of conviction, the 
inaidiness and self-restraint which he constantly dis- 
played t hrough stoi'uiy and tui-bulent times, constitute 
him a worthy exanipla.r of youth. 

The recent publication of his Speeches, Addresses and 
Sketches of Eminent Men (*) is the occasion of \his pa- 
I)er. That publication is itself a graceful tribute to his 
memory by his wife, the noble helpmeet of a noble man, 
who has chosen the best products of his thought and 
pen, and given them to the world with the proud con- 
viction that they establish his title to remembrance and 
fame. 

The speeches which this volume contains are of great 
value to the historian and the student of the period in 
which they were delivered. Governor Perry oc^iupied a, 
uni(|ue position as the le*ader of the Union party in 
South Carolina, the political opponent of Calhoun, and 
the unwavering antagonist of the nullification and se- 
cession doctrines which i-esulted in civil wai-. As early 



(*) BioornphicMl SkftcheM of Eniiiipnt Anipriciiii StiiteHinen, witli Si)Poclies. 
.\(l(lrpsHes jiinl Lftters. by Px-Gdvernor R. F. Pprr.v, of Grppiivillp, S. ('. Foi- 
sjilp in Hiohmoiid hv West, .lolniHton & Co. 



(irOVERNOR P>. F. PeRRY. 

as 1831, then a yoiino; man but twenty-six ypfirsof ajj-e, 
he foresaw the end, o'av^e evidence of his truly wandeiful 
political foresight, and bei>-a,ii his predictions of coniino- 
events, which fell uidieeded by the excited, exasperated 
a,nd ebullient men of his time. In his Fourth of July 
oration delivered in that year, remarkable foi- its nia- 
turity of thouo-ht in one so yonriii', he pointed out the 
evils which would follow u])(^n a. dismemberment of the 
Union, and declared that he was unwillino- "on any ac- 
count to put in jeopardy this Union, this ^ovei-nment, 
our independence and our name as a people." This 
declaration is the keynote of his career, and consistently 
through his whole life he fought the spirit of disunion 
with a stul;)born gallantry, with a political sagacity, 
and with a noble foi'getfulness of self which distinguish 
him among eminent compeers as a great and good man. 
One cannot avoid speculating how differently history 
might have been written if his generation had but 
listened to the powerful and pathetic pleading of which 
these speeches ai-e full, and had been guided by the wis- 
dom which time has so amply justified. 

We are ac(Mistomed to looking in the annals of war 
for our own exemplars of heroic conduct, and we ai-e 
justified in this, if physical courage is to be I'ated higher 
than moral. But who dow not know that moi'al coui-- 
age is the quality which lifts heroism out of the animal 
and into the intellectual life and endows it with all the 
splendid attributes of the soul? 

The man who is content to be maligned, misunder- 
stood, hissed, scorned, jeered, scoffed, foi- ti-nth's sake, 
for the sa.ke of his ])rinci])les, after all, is a, nobler man 
and agranderherotha.n thedefendei-sof thepassof Tiier- 
niopylcP. A Luther calmly facing an angry council 
with the memorable utterance, "One with (Jod is a ma- 
jority," is a nobler figure than the ti'ained gladiator of 
the circus whose (;oura,ge is shared, and perha|)s sui-- 
passed, by the brutes. It is always so easy to hedge and 
trim. It is always so easj to say the many are pio- 



(JOYEHXOR B. F. IMORRY. 

bably rio-ht. But tlie sppctnr-lp is snppi'bl.v ijis])inii,o- 
when a man wIki lias reaeherl a settled conviction of the 
riii'lit stands for it a<^ainst his enemies, and harder still, 
a^iainst his fi-iends; stands for it thron«>h the wearv 
years, contestino- the tide of ])opnlar opinion, and vol- 
mitarily sacrificinir his popularity, hope of preferment 
— political or other — and the cherished ambitions of a, 
lifetime upon its altar. Such a spectacle does the life of 
(xovernor Perry a.fford us. It is not for ns to question 
whether he was I'iiiht and the many were wrono-. It suf- 
fices to I'ecoo-nize in his career a man who stood for his 
convictions with a stalwa.rt consisten(;y and rio'id firm- 
ness, which neither seductiv^e persuasion, the alienation 
of friends, the hisses of the rabble, the sense of isolation, 
nor the tremendous influence of popular furore and 
clamor could shake for an instant. I call this a, valu- 
able moral lesson, valuable to the youno- men of these 
times, and the life which contained and embodied it is 
worthy of all honor and rememltrance. 

Of his speech delivered before the South Carolina 
House of Representatives in 1850. in opposition to dis- 
union, he said, "I leave it as a leo>icv to my country 
and to my children, '' and when it is remembered that he 
stood all but alone in that body a,dvoca,tint>; measures 
the most unpopular, and with his one arm endea,vorin<>: 
to stay the rush of a whole people, it must be confessed 
that no Jiobler heritage can man transmit. His sons 
can receive it at his hands as the attestation of the 
courage, fidelity and integr-ity of their sire. 

It is not my purpose, nor have we the space, to ana- 
lyze the speeches which this volume contains, or even to 
quote from them. They are the utterances of a. man 
versed in political affairs, of which he was a profound 
student. Those which are literary in character show a 
wide ac(]uaintaiice with the world of letters. They 
a bound with eleoant and instructive thoughts, expressed 
in choice lanouage, often eloquent, but severe in its 
classic simplicity. While there are passages in these 



OOVEHNOR B. F. Pp:i{I{y. 

s])ePohPS which in i*hetoi-ical trrace and diction, purity of, 
style and fo<!:en{;y of thought may be truly styled elo- 
quent; yet itis quite evidentthat his eloquence consisted 
rather in the tremendous moral earnestness of the man 
than in the arts of the rhetorician and the declaimer. 

But we have left to ourselves too little space in which 
to speak of what, to the o-eneral reader, is the most in- 
terestino- ])ortion of this book. "The Sketches of Emi- 
nent Men," which compose a principal part of the vol- 
ume, have, indeed, <>reat literary mei'it. Almost every 
man prominent in American life is delineated in these 
paoes with an accuracy of touch, a boldness of outline 
And a faithfulness of poiti'aiture which leaves scarcely 
anything- to be desired. The Sketches are enriched with 
a copious fund of anecdote, which lends its peculiar 
charm to the narration of facts, and leads the reader 
on, only to leave him at the end with the reo-pet that 
there is no more. Otis and Pinckney and Ciawford, 
\Vashin<»;ton, Adams and Jefferson, Henry, Webster, 
Randolph and Choat^, and many others distinguished 
in politics, in science, at the Bar a.Jid on the Bench, are 
introduced to us in detail and made to us familiar per- 
sonages in the history of our counti-y. We cannot 
avoid expressing- the opinion that it were better to have 
published these Sketches in a separa.te volume as a con- 
venient handbook of American biography, in which 
foT'm they would, no doubt, have attained a wider pop- 
ularity. 

And now this brief review must be bi-onght to a close. 
It is at the dictate of a warm personal affection and re- 
gard for him whose literary remains are enshrined in 
this volume that I have ventured to write. If anything 
I have written shall seem strained or exaggei-ated, let it 
be set down to the high admiration I entertain for one 
of whom I have said elsewhere that he comes nearer to 
n»y ideal of a public man — a man of affaiis — than any 
other I have known. H. MklviTvLE J.xckson. 











B£i 









ARMISTEAD BURT. 

;HE sudden and unexpected death of this eminent 
lawyer and venerable gentleman, respected and 
esteemed by all who knew him, was a great shock to his 
friends and State at large. He died in his office, all 
alone, of heart disease. No one was present to hear his 
last words or watch over his dying struggle. When 
found he was lying on his sofa, as if in deep slumber. 
His eyes were closed and his arm across his breast. The 
features of his faceunaltered and hisspirit had departed, 
as it were, without a struggle. 

The last time I had the pleasure of seeing him he was 
in fine health and looking remarkably well for a man of 
his age. He had been temperate all his life, lived 
prudently and was remarkably well pi-eserved. Seeing 
him and hearing him converse, one would have supposed 
that he miaht have lived ten or fifteen years longer. He 
was a tall, fine looking gentleman with a remarkably 
imposing presence. He was cheerful in conversation, 
entertaining his friends with his wit and humor, as well 
as his learning and wisdom. He was dignified in his 
manners, though courteous and affable to all. It may 
be said that he was an accomplished gentleman of the 
old school. 

There were few men in South Carolina, with whom I 
had been more intimate, and none for whom I entertained 
a more sincere regard. His death seems to have de- 
prived me of the last of my intimate contemporaries. 
He was three years my senior; ourintimacy commenced 
with ray admission to the bar. He kindly offered mean 
opportunity of making my first speech at the bar, in a 
murder case, tried at Old Pendleton, a few months after 
my admission to practice. It was a dreadful case of a 



6 Armistead Bukt. 

man killing- his wife and the only witness against him 
was his own daughter, onh' fourteen or fifteen years 
old ! 

Mr. Burt was born in Edgefield District, Novembei-, 
1802, and was consequently in the eighty-first year of 
his age at the time of his death, 1883. His father, who 
represented that disti-ict in the State Senate, moved to 
Pendleton when Armistead was a small boy, and there 
he grew nu and was educated in the Pendleton Academy. 
Although i [r. Burt was not a graduate of any college, 
yet he was a fine classical scholar, and few men in the 
State had a better knowledge of the English language 
or spoke it with more correctness and ])urity. He was 
artistic in his choice and use of words, on all occasions, 
whethei- speaking, conversing or writing. He read law 
with Hon. Warren R. Davis and was admitted to the 
bar in 1828. He commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession at Pendleton and remained there tillhis marriage 
in 1828, when he moved to Abbeville. 

Mr. Burt had a commandin<>' pi-actice at both these 
places, although he had to contend with Warren R. 
Davis and Thomas Harrison and Judge Earle at 
Pendleton, and with Governor iS'oble, Judge Wardlaw, 
Col. Perrin, Judge McGowan, Judge Thomson, Judge 
Cothran and othei-s at Abbeville. He was elected a 
member of the State Convention, called to nullify the 
tariff law, in 1832, and he espoused the cause of nullifi- 
cation with great zeal and ability. He then served 
sevei-al years in the Legislature as a representative from 
Abbeville. In 1843 he was elected a member of Congress 
from the District of Edgefield and Abbeville by a large 
majority over his opponent, Col. Whitfield Biooks, a 
gentlenmn of learning and talents, and a member of the 
bar. He served in Congress ten years and was re-elected 
every term without opposition. He then became tired 
of his position and declined a re-election. 

After Mr. Burt's retirement from public life he went to 



Armistead Burt. 7 

his plantation on the Savn.nnah river, adjoinino; that 
of Governor McDuffie\s, and occupied himself in planting 
for two or three years. But his partiality for the bar 
drew him again to the practice of his loved profession. 
He always delighted in it. If he was not born a lawyer 
he was certainly born for one and proudly fulfilled his 
destiny. E^or manj' years during the latter part of his 
life, he stood confessedly at the head of his profession. 
He was learned, possessed a most logical mind, vei-y in- 
dustrious in studying his cases and managed them in 
court most successfully. As a criminal lawyer he was 
unsurpassed and many a culprit owed his life to Mr. 
Burt. The State Reports will show the extent of his 
practice and his eminence as a lawyer. 

In Congress Mr. Burt did not take the stand which his 
talents and learning and high character entitled him to 
assume. The bar was his great forte. He was a lawyer 
and not a statesman. Legislation did not seem to suit 
the character of his mind. In Congress he was diffident 
and did not thrust himself forward in debate as others 
did with much less ability and learning. But in court 
he had no diffidence, and was always self-possessed and 
prepared for the conflict. He saw the strong points of 
his case and presented them to the court and jury with 
great force and logic. Often he was eloquent as well 
as logical in his arguments before the court. His great 
speech before a military court in Charleston, in defence 
of Keys and others for murder, was remarkable for its 
beauty and eloquence. It was published in the 
Charleston Courier and merits preservation. 

Mr. Burt was a disciple of Mr. Calhoun and espoused, 
as I have said, the doctrine of nullification withzeqland 
ability. But he did not believe in separate State seces- 
sion. He agreed with me in saying that if any move- 
ment was made by South Carolina, it should be in con- 
cert with all the Southern States. I remember his 
telhng me of an article which he had written forpuolica- 



8 Akmtstead Buut. 

tioii on the subject of State action, and that he did not 
know at the time, that any one would approve of it ex- 
cept myself! When the issue was umde, like all the 
Union men of South Carolina, he went heartily with his 
State. It is true, as has been said of him— "He staked 
his all on the issue and his hcindsome foriune was swept 
away." In his old a^e he found himself poor, buthedid 
not despair, and went to work as cheerfully and hope- 
fully as he did when he commenced his profession. He 
sought no office oi* honors after the war. It is to be 
regretted that he was not hono)-ed with a, seat on the 
bench. He would have made a model judge. 

I have stated that Mr. Burt and myself wei-e on terms 
of great intimacy. Weserved togethei-in the Legislature 
for sevei-al years, sat together at the same desk, slept 
in the same room, eat togethei- at the same table and 
were generally together throughout the day whilst the 
Legislatui-e was in session. On the circuit we practiced 
together, though on difierent sides of the san)e case, and 
were always boon com})anions, cutting our wit and jokes 
at each other. Mr. Buit, with all his dignity and pride 
of character, was full of fun and humor. In speaking of 
oui- ages he affected to be my junior. I told him playfully 
in company that when I was a school boy I went to 
Pendleton Court and saw a tall, finelooking gentleman, 
exquisitely dressed, and inquired wh(^ he was. I was told 
thathe was Armistead Burt, a promising lawyer who had 
just been admitted to the bai*, and was destined to be 
distinguished in his profession. He replied: "That 
cannot be so, for whilst I was a stud^^nt in the Pendleton 
Academy I memorized a- Foui-th of July S]jeech of yours 
made at (ji-eenvilie, spoke it at our exhibition and took 
the third honor I" 

Like William Pinkney, of Maryland, the greatest law- 
yer and the most accomplished orator Americaever pro- 
duced, Ml'. Burt was always particular and fastidious 
about his di-ess. I have frequently heard Judge O'Neall 



Armistead Burt. 9 

tell him that the honorable Warren R. Davis took him 
into the Court of Appeals, where Mr. Burt was, to show 
him " a natural born dandy.'' It is true that some men 
are born to be always neat and particular in their dress, 
whilst others are born slovens. It is also equally true 
in regard to manners. Some persons, in the lowest 
stations of life, are naturally polite and courteous, 
whilst others, born and educated in the highest stations, 
-are rude, morose and ill-bred. Every one has seen in 
the course of his life many such persons. When Andrew 
Jackson was presented to a courtly circle of ladies in 
New Orleans they expected to see a rough, ill-mannered 
Indian fighter. But so great was their surprise that 
they declared his manners were princely and they would 
have supposed that he had been brought up in a court 
instead of the wilds of Tennessee. 

Mr. Burt did not open his heart to all the world. I 
was in Washington when he left there a few days before 
Congress adjourned and never expected to return. I 
went to the House of Bepresentatives and proposed that 
we should go and call on the President. He readily con- 
sented and as we were going I said something to him 
about our returning to the House. He replied, "I do 
not intend to return there." I said do you not intend 
to bid your friends and colleagues farewell? " No,'" said 
he, "I will not do that penance." I mentioned this fact 
to his brother, Governor Frank Burt, who was then in 
Washington. He said to me : " Armistead is not so inti- 
mate with many persons as yourself. He does not care 
for every acquaintance or companion he may make in 
Congress or elsewhere." 

In early manhood Mr. Biirt was a disbeliever in 
Christianity and pronounced itin my presence "a grand 
humbug." But in after life, his opinions and convictions 
were entirely changed, and he became a devout member 
of the Episcopal Church. The Sunday before death he 
knelt at the altar and partook of the holy communion. 



10 Armistead Burt. 

He was always kind and charitable and obligino;. No 
one was ever more honorable and high minded. Judge 
Hnger, after serving a session in the Senate of thelinited 
States, with Governor McDuffie and keeping house with 
him, said to me that McDuffie was a Christian without 
knowing it. This may have been the case with Mr. 
Burt in early life. There are many persons who practice 
all the Christian virtues without making any profession 
of Christianity. And there are many too who make 
great profession of religion and practice none of its 
duties in private. 

I have said that Mr. Burt did not take the high 
position in Congress to which his talents and learning- 
entitled him. Yet there was no member of Congress 
more highly esteemed by all as a gentleman. His high 
sense of honor, courtly manners and conversational 
talents won the admiration of all themetnibers. He was 
frequently called to the chair to preside over the house 
when in committee of the whole. 

For several years before his death Mr. Burt was 
engaged in writing the life of Governor McDuffie. It is 
grea-tly to be regretted that he did not live to complete 
this labor of love in his old age. It would have been 
read with great interest and valued by all literary men . 
His sketch of Judge Wardlaw, so admirable for its 
graphic portraiture of the high traits of the Judge's 
character, is evidence enough to show what his life of 
McDuffie would have been. There are few writers whose 
style was so terse and pure as Mr. Burt's; and it is to be 
deeply regretted that he did not writemore, which would 
have preserved his memory in the future. 

In the Northern States when a distinguished man dies, 
his life is immediately written and published to the world. 
But in South Carolina our great men die and are forgot- 
ten. There is no memorial left of them or their great- 
ness. It is enough to suffuse the face of every Carolinian 
with the blush of shame to think that no one has written 



Armistead Burt. "11 

the lives of such men as Calhoun, Cheves, Hayne, McDuffie, 
Hamilton, Lowndes, Poinsett, O'Xeall, the Pinckneys 
and Rutledges and many others! Nothing could be 
more inspiring to future generations than well written 
lives of such men. They would stimulate young men 
in all time to emulate their virtues, their learning, their 
eloquence and their patriotism. 

Mr. Burt possessed a good deal of playful sarcasm with 
his wit and humor. I once witnessed a lively contest in 
this respect between him and JudgeButler at Anderson. 
The Judge remarked that he had seen more drunkenness 
at Abbeville court the past week than he had ever seen at 
Edgefield. Mr. Burt observed that there was this differ- 
ence, however : "In Edgefield the gentlemen got drunk, 
but in Abbeville they did not." Judge Butler quickly 
replied: "I did not know that you had any gentle- 
men at Abbeville to get drunk." Mr, Burt felt that the 
sarcastic retort was excusable and said nothing in reply. 

With all of his good sense and sterling honesty, Mr. 
Burt had a spice of affectation in his character. On one 
occasion we were seated at the dinner table in Columbia 
with Judge Huger, when a huge dish of backbones was 
placed opposite Burt. He looked at it with seeming 
curiosity and said : " Perry, what kind of dish is that?" 
I replied : "It is a dish, Mr. Burt, that 3'ou and I used to 
be very famihar with in Pendleton, during hog killing- 
time, and you ought not to pretend ignorance of an old 
acquaintance." 

Mr. Burt was married in 1828 to Miss Martha Cal- 
houn, the daughter of VVilham Calhoun, and niece of 
John C. Calhoun, a beautiful and accomplished young- 
lady, who died some eight or ten years before him. They 
never had any children and at his death Mr. Burt was 
without a relative in the State. At the close of the war, 
President Davis and his lady were lodged with Mr. and 
Mrs. Burt in his fine residence at Abbeville. It was said 
that the Union army would burn the house if they found 



12 Armistead Burt. 

President Davis and his wife there. The reply of Mr. 
Burt was that it could not be destroyed in a better 
cause. 

The last time I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Burt he 
said to me, "I believe, Perry, you know my age." 
"Yes," said I, " but you never would tell me and made 
yourself out much younger than myself." There was a 
gentleman present who was never known to tell his age. 
Mr. Burt said to him, '' Colonel, you had better tell your 
age, for every one, from your appearance, will take you 
to be ten years older than you are." 

Mr. Vance told me several years since that whilst he 
and Mr. Burt were reading my ''Reminiscensesof Publico 
Men," as they were originally published in the news- 
papers, he said to Mr. Burt that I would write one of 
him. He replied: "I intend to disappoint Perry and 
outlive him." It has happened otherwise and I have 
now verified the prediction of Mr. Vance and paid this 
last tribute of respect to the memory of a dear friend 
whom I have known and loved for more than half a 
centurv. 



^°z.mn 










aoB 



i-m-^^ 



.^DANUS BURKE. 

^N my returii from Sparta nbui-o- Court of Equity-, 
the other dny, I stopped at mv friend, Dr. Jaines 
Biviuo-s', and the name of Judge Burke was ar o.iden tally 
mentioned. The latter told me that he then had in his 
house the veritable walking- stick of this distinguished 
gentleman. I asked to see it, and expressed gi-eat intei-- 
est in it, as a relic of one about whom I hfid heard so 
much. It was made of a West India stick, with a neat 
ivor^^head. The stick had been presented to a gentle- 
man in Camden, who gave ittoDr Bivings. A few days 
afterwards I received the walking cane, with a, kind note, 
from the doctor, stating that he begged me to accept it 
as a relic of one whom I seemed to adnnre, and likewise 
as an evidence of his regard for me. He had left the 
stick, in his will, to his son, but thinking I would appre- 
ciate it more than his son, he gave it to me. 

Judge Burke had passed off the scene of action long- 
before my day and time; but I have heard so many an- 
ecdotes of him, and so many strange stories of his eccen- 
tricity and humor, that I am induced to include him in 
my sketches. 

^Edanus Burke was an Irishman by birth, and came 
to South Carolina from one of the West India Islands 
at the commencement of our troubles with the mothei- 
country. He was a republican by nature, as all Irish- 
men are, and he determined to link his fate with the in- 
dependence of the colonies. He entered the army, and 
in 1778, he was elected a Judge of South Carolina, and 
also a member of Congress whilst he sat on the bench, 
and continued to sit there. AVhen the government was 
first organized under the Federal Constitution, he was 
elected one of the Senators from South Carolina. After- 



14: tEdanus Burke. 

ward .sliewas elected one of the Chancellors of the State. 

Judi«e Burke died an old bachelor, and in his will he 
left a maiden lady in Charleston six hundred pounds 
sterling', and gave as a reason for leaving- this leoacj, 
that he had courted the lady ten years, and "before his 
(jod he believed that, if he had pei-severed, she would 
have had him." Whilst holding court at "Ninety-Six," 
just after the i*evolutiona]*y war, a man was tried before 
him for horse stealing, and acquitted under the treaty 
of peace between the United States and Great Britain, 
as to an amnesty for all past offences. He had been a 
noted tory and plunderer and murderer. General But- 
ler, with a party of friends, went into the Court House, 
took him out and hung him to a tiee in ttie court 3'ard. 
Tiie wife of the unfortunate man rushed into the pres- 
ence of the Judge and besought him to save the life of 
her husband. Be rephed to her: "Good woman, before 
God, they will hang me if 1 attempt to interfere." He 
ordered his horses and left the court. 

Judge Burke was once the se(!ond of Colonel Aaroii 
Burr, in one of his duels, and in loading his pistol did 
not ram the bullet down on the jjowdcr. Colonel Burr 
saw this, and protested against it as the pistol was 
handed to him, but the Judge said : " Never mind, Col- 
onel, the gentleman is waiting on you; and the next 
time I will grease the patching!" Whilst in Congress he 
i-esented some exj)ression of Alexander Hamilton, about 
the cowardice of the militia, at the battle of Camden. 
The Colonel i-eplied by saying he did not particularly 
allude to the militia of South Carolina. Judge Burke 
replied that he did not partieuhirly allude to Colonel 
Hamilton in pi'onouncing the charge to be false. 

Judge Colcock, who was Solicitor at the time, told me 
the following anecdote: He was prosecuting a man be- 
fore Judge Burke, for hog stealing, who had beenameiii- 
berof the Legislature, and Captain of the militia. Judge 
Burke charged the jury to acijuit the prisonei- before 



.Edanus Burke. 15 

leaving: their box, which they did. At dinner, the Judge 
said to the SoHcitor: "Before God, that fellow stole 
the pig." "Why, then," said the Solicitor, "did you 
advise the jury to acquit him ?" " For the honor of the 
State, sir. Would you have it go al)road, sir, that a 
member of your Parliament, and a Captain of your 
trained band was guilty of hog stealing?" 

Riding the circuit one day, with a number of lawyers, 
one of them was thrown from his horse and killed. 
Judge Burke came up, and €ifter expressing deep sorrow 
at the unfortunate death of the lawyer, he said : "And 
think, too, that so clever a man should be killed by 
such a damned tackey of a horse!" 

Judge Burke was no temperate man, but prided him- 
self in drinking good liquors. Whilst holding court, at 
some place, there was nothing to drink but corn whiw- 
key. The Judge drank of it as he would have done of a 
bottle of claret, and got gloriously drunk. As they 
were carrying him from the table some wag slipped two 
or three silver spoons into his pocket. The next morn- 
ing, in dressing, his Honor discovered the spoons, and 
inquired of his servant if he knew anything about them. 
The boy replied that he did not know how they came in 
his pocket ; but he recognized them as belonging to the 
landlady. The Judge was a good deal disturbed, and 
exclaimed : 

"Before God, I thought I was an honest man. I do 
not remember ever to have stolen anything before when 
I was drunk. It must have been that vile stuff they call 
corn whiskey which prompted me to steal these spoons." 

Sometime afterwards, there was a case of larceny tried 
before him, and it appeared in evidence that the offen- 
der was drunk when he committed the theft. His Honor 
inquired if the witnesses could tell him what kind of li- 
quor the fellow had be^n drinking. He was informed 
that it was 'whiskey ; thereupon he turned to the jury, 
and said : 



IG .Edanus Burke. 

" Before God, gentlemen of the jury, you ought to ac- 
quit tlie prisoner. I know, from my own experience, 
that corn whiskey does give a man a propensity to 
steal; and, his reason being dethroned, he should not 
be held responsible for his larceny." 

Chief Justice O'Neall tells the following story of Judge 
Burke, who was very absent minded : He was riding 
the circuit on horse back, with a servant mounted on 
another horse behind. The Judge was in a, brown study, 
and his servant rode up pretty close to him, whereupon 
his horse kicked the servant on the leg. Jumping off 
his horse, the boy picked up a stone and threw it at his 
master's horse, which struck his honor on the back. 
Turning round, he saw his servant in seeming great 
agony, and inquired what was the matter. The servant 
told him that his horse had kicked him on the leg. 
" And befoi-e God," replied the Judge, "he kicked me too 
just betvvec-ii the shoulders." 

In going in court one morning, he mistook an old 
black silk dress of the landlady's for his judicial robe! 
As he mounted the Judge's seat he began to unfold the 
dress, and was for sometime turning it about and try- 
ing in vain to get into it, to the great amusement of 
the bar and spectators. "Before God," he exclaimed, 
"some devil has sewed it up in front." 

Judge Burke was a man of great ability, and spoke 
and wrote well. He was the author of a pamphlet 
against the "Cincinnati Society," which excited great 
popular favor against the hereditary features of the so- 
ciety, and produced a reformation in that respect. Just 
before the Judge died, his physician told him that he 
would have to tap him for the dropsy. "Before God, 
then," said the Judge, "my days are numbered, for 
nothing was ever tapped in this house that lasted 
long." 

Judge Burke lived to a good old age, and was a 
Chancellor of the State at his death. He was in the 



tEdanus Burke. 17 

habit of sittin<i- in Congress whilst he was a Judge of the 
State, which caused the passage of the law prohibiting 
a Judge leaving the State without permirsion of the 
Legislature. 



THOMAS H. BENTON. 



^&N my first visit to Washington, I earried a letter of 
\-/ introduction from Mr. Poinsett to Colonel Benton 
Before I had delivered the letter, or seen Colonel Benton, 
I accompanied Senator Archer, of Virginia, to the senate 
chamber. He said to me : " I will point out to you any 
of the Senators you may wish to know." In looking over 
the Senate chambei , I was very much struck with the im- 
perial air and noble person of a Senator opposite to us, 
and inquired who he was. That is Col. Benton, said Mr. 
Archer. I thought him the most remarkable looking 
man in the Senate. I called on Colonel Benton in the 
evening to deliver my letter of introduction. He was 
not at home. Mrs. Benton and her daughter, however, 
received me very kindly. Miss Jessie, afterwards Mrs, 
Fremont, was a great admirer of Mr. Poinsett, and 
seemed dehghted to hear from him. The next day I met 
the colonel in the senate chamber, who was A^ery cordial 
and glad to hear from Mr. Poinsett. The Mexican War 
was at that time in full blast, and our flying artillery 
had distinguished itself in several battles. This arm of 
the service had been suggested by Mr. Poinsett whilst 
Secretary of War, and was carried into effect by Colonel 
Benton, who was then chairman of the Military Commit- 
tee of the Senate. In his letter of introduction, Mr. 
Poinsett alluded to the success of his and Colonel Ben- 
ton's pet scheme of making the artillery more effective 
in battle. 

I met Colonel Benton one evening, in company with 
his daughter, at the President's. In conversation, I 
said to him, in the presence of President Polk, that I 
had never understood the Oregon question till I read 
his speech on that subject. The countenance of the Pres- 



Thomas H. Benton. 19 

ident seemed unpleasantly moved b}- the remark. It 
then occurred to me that he himself had written an elab- 
orate message on the Oregon question, that my com- 
pliment to Colonel Benton was rather discourteous to 
the President. The Colonel replied: "Yes, sir, I never 
write or speak on any subject till I have thoroughly 
mastered it." On my return to the hotel, I told Gene- 
ral Thompson of what had occurred, and that I thought 
the President did not relish the compliment. He men- 
tioned to Colonel Benton the next day that he under- 
stood I had paid him a compliment the evening before 
at the expense of the President. Colonel Benton replied : 
'•Polk knows ver\' well that he did not understand the 
Oregon question till I explained the matter in my 
speech." 

Colonel Benton was a very cordial and warm-hearted 
man, excessively impressed with his own greatness and 
intellectual powers and acquirements. He would talk 
of hinjself and family in the most extravagant terms. 
William I^. Yancey said something to the colonel, com- 
plimentary of his daughters. "Yes sir," said he, "they 
are accomplished girls. I educated them myself, and 
they are capable of conversing with any of the crowned 
heads of Europe, and in their own language, sir." Col- 
onel Benton was very much opposed to his daughter 
marrying Colonel Fremont. But after he became distin- 
guished as a Senator, and the Republican candidate for 
the Presidency, the colonel remarked that Jessie had 
formed a better appreciation of Fremont's character 
and talents than he had. It does sometimes happen 
that the intincts of love are superior to the wisdom of 
age. This was the case with a young lady of Laurens, 
South Carolina, who engaged herself to President John- 
son whilst he was a journeyman tailor, and the engage- 
ment was broken off by the young lady's mother on ac- 
count of a want of appreciation of his true character 
and talents. 



20 Thomas H. Benton. 

After serving thirty 3^ears in the United States Senate, 
Colonel Benton was turned out of his seat by the Lei>is- 
lature of Missouri. He was immediately afterwards 
elected member of the House of Representatives fronii 
the District of St. Louis. During a spell of very hot 
weather in Washington, the Colonel one day made his 
appearance in the House of Representatives without 
stockings, and in his slippers. Some one noticed his bare 
legs, and inquired of him where he got his stockings. 
He replied : "Sir, they are a pair which my mother 
gave me sixty-five years ago, and they have never 
required any darning!" 

A great many hard things have been said of Col- 
onel Benton, and, amongst others, he has been charged 
with cowardice. I do not think any unprejudiced man 
could have looked at Colonel Benton and believed it 
possible that such a man did not possess the highest de- 
gree of courage. His Roman face, eagle eye and man- 
ly form were surely no indications of cowardice. He 
was a man of great talents and attainments, and a 
most laborious student all his life. It was true, as he 
said to me, that he always investigated a subject thor- 
oughly, and w'hen he did speak he was armed at all 
points with facts and authorities. 

In his domestic relations he was a most exemplary 
man. His kindness and devotion to his wife and chil- 
dren were touching and beautiful. He spent a portion 
of almost every day in teaching his children. How he 
could find time from his various public duties to educate 
his children, or even instruct them in their studies daily, 
is most wondei'ful indeed ! Nothing but the strongest 
parental love and affection could have induced such a 
course, and I am ]oth to beHeve the man who did it a 
bad hearted man. It is verj^ rare that domestic 
virtues are linked with crime. 

Colonel Benton was born in North Carolina, and 
whilst in college at Chapel Hill there was a disparaging 



Thomas H. Benton. 21 

report about Itini, which caused him to leave college, 
and caused his expulsion from one of the literary societies. 
Many years afterwards, when Colonel Benton had been 
distinguished, the students of Chapel Hill elected him an 
honorary memV)er of one of their societies, which he 
promptly declined accepting. He moved to Tennessee, 
and whilst there had his famous rencounter with General 
Jackson, in which he said to Mr. Clay, who taunted him 
with it, that "they fought like brave men, and had since 
made friends." 

Colonel Benton published, before his death, the 
"Abridgement of the Debates of Congress," a work of 
great labor and industry. He also published "Thirty 
Yearsin the Senate," which is a book of great value and 
interest. 




B 









BoB Bo8 



Bo| 




HON, M. C. BUTLER. 



GEN. MATTHEW CALBEATTH BUTLERisanative 
of Greenville District, and was boi-ri at his father's 
hoiiiestearl on Pike's Mountain, foni* or five miles east of 
the city of Greenville, where he was reared and spent 
his boyhood till the removal of his father and family to 
the State of Arkansas. His father, Di". William Butler, 
was a surgeon in the United States Navy duringthewar 
of 1812, and afterwards a i-epresentative in Congress 
from the Districts of Greenville, Laurens, Anderson and 
I'ickens. He was a high-toned gentleman, of pure and 
unsullied honor and patriotism, cordial in his manners 
and warm in his friendship, possessing a tall and strik- 
ingly handsom<^ person, and very popular with the peo- 
ple. All of these virtues and graces his distinguished 
son has inhei'ited. 

There are few men in South Carolina who can boast 
a ])rouder family inheritance than General Butler. P'or 
three generations his ancestors and relations on both 
sides of thp house have been distinguished in public ser- 
vice, as naval and army officers, Judges, Governors and 
United States Senators. His paternal grandfather^ 
General William Butler, was a gallant officei- of the 
American Revolution, and foi' many years a representa- 
tive in Congiess from the Edgefield District. His sons, 
the uncles of the subject of this sketch, were all men of 
ability and distinction. Andrew Pickens Butler was for 
nmny years a Judge of our State Courts and United 
States Senator. Pierce Mason Butler was an officer of 
the United States Army and Governor of the State of 
South Carolina. He served with distinction in theElor- 
ida war, and was killed at the head of the Palmetto 
Regiment in Mexico. On his mother's side, General 



Gen. M. C. Butler. 28 

Butler's ancestors and relatives were no less distin- 
g-uished. His maternal grandfather, Christopher Ray- 
mond Perry, of Rhode Island, was a Captain in the 
United States Navy, and a gallant officer on sea and 
land during- the wholeof the American Revolution. His 
sons, the brothers of Mi's. Jane Tweed v Butler, mother 
of General Butler, were Oliver Hazard Perry, the bril- 
liant immortal hero of Lake Erie, and Mp.tthew Cal- 
braith Perry, a commodore in the United States Navy 
and Commissioner to Japan. Commodore Rodgers, 
another gallant naval hero of the war of 1812, mar- 
ried the sister of Mrs. Butler and daughter of Captain 
Christopher Raymond Perry. The decendants of these 
distinguished naval heroes are now holding high offices 
in the United States Navy. 

General Matthew Calbraith Butler, named after his un- 
cle. Commodore Perr^^ returned to South Caiolina with 
his mother and family after the death of his father in 
Arkansas. He graduated at the South Carolina Col- 
lege, and commenced the practice of his profession at 
the Edgefield Bar. He was very soon after his admis- 
sion to the Bar elected a member of the Legislature 
from Edgefield District. This was in 1860, and in 1861 
our civil war broke out. He immediately raised a com- 
pany of cavalr\^ and joined Hampton's Legion. He 
served through the whole of the war, and rose to the 
rank of a Major General of Cavalry in the Confederate 
Army. At the desperate battle of Brandy Station in 
1863, he lost a leg; but he now walks without a stick, 
and very few persons would notice his lameness. AVe 
will not attempt to give a sketch of his military services. 
They are a matter of history and known to his country. 
But we will say that no officer of the Confederate army 
was more gallant or heroic. In the invasion of Penn- 
sylvania, under Lee, the scrupulously honorable conduct 
of General Butler towards the citizens of the country 
through which the Confederate army was passing drew 



24 Gen. M. C. Butlek. 

from them the highest admiration, and since the war he 
has received their grateful thanks. 

At the Bar General Butler has shown in the arguinent 
of his cases great learning and the most brilliant tal- 
ents as an advocate. In a celebrated libel case tried at 
Greenville some time since, his speech was said to be, by 
competent judges, the most forcible and tinished argu- 
ment they had ever hearil in a. court of justice. Persons 
who had witnessed a similar trial at Anderson, in which 
Governor McDuffie made one of his greatest efforts, say, 
without hesitation, that (irenei'a.l Butler's speech was 
greatly superior in every respect — more l)rilliant, moi'e 
logical, more eloquent, more learned and more con- 
clusive. 

In the Senate of the United States where General But- 
lei' has just been seated, he is destined to make his mark 
and sustain the high reputation which South Cai'olina 
has had in the councils of the Republic for more than 
a century past. He is comparatively a young man, 
strikingly handsome in his pei-son, courtly and polished 
in his manners, punctilliously honorable in his charac- 
ter, and wins popular favor wherever he goes, even in a 
Radical Senate. 

General Butler married the daughter of Governor 
Francis W. Pickens, and lives in Edgefield, the home of 
the Butlers for more than a century past. But we know 
that he has a strong attachment for his native district, 
Greenville, where lie the remains of his honored and no- 
ble mother. 



MRS. JANE TWEEDY BUTLER. 



j^HIS most estimable and liio;hlj <>;ifted ladj of a dis- 
* tiiignished family and connections, departed this 
life on the 11th day of July, A. D. 1875, in the seventy- 
sixth year of her age, at the residence of her son-in-law, 
Charles A. Carson, Esq., in Greenville county, South Car- 
olina, after a most painful and linoerino- illness. Shere- 
quested her daughter, a short time before her death, 
that I, as her oldest friend in Greenville, who had known 
her intimately and enjoyed her friendship longer than 
any one else now living, should write her obituary 
notice. But this last sad dut^Mvas immediately done and 
well done by another friend in the columns of the Enter- 
piise and Mountaineer. I can thej-efore only add my 
rerainis cences of her hfe, her character arid family, in 
obedience to her wishes, recently communicated tome, 
by Mrs. Carson, her youngest daughter. 

My acquaintance with Mrs. Butler commenced more 
than a half of a century since. She had then been mar- 
ried only a few years and was in the bloom of her youth 
and beauty. I was reading law in the office of Judge 
Earle, and had charge of the Greenville Female Library. 
She had just moved into Greenville from Edgefield Dis- 
trij3t, and came to the office in company with some other 
ladies to get books. 1 was struck with her uncommonl^' 
bright, beaming, intelligent countenance, and frank^ 
cordial manners. 1 thought her one of the most prepos- 
sessing ladies I had ever seen. The life of her brother, 
Commodore Oliver H. Perry, was in the library, with a 
likeness, which I thought strikingly handsome. I re- 
member calling her attention to it. She immediately 
said it did not do him justice, and that his face and ex- 



26 Mrs. Jane Tweedy Butler. 

pre8sion of countenance were niiifh more animated and 
intellectual than represented in the likeness. 

Mrs. Butler was born in Rhode Island, on Tower Hill, 
South Kino-ston, December 15th, 1799. Her paternal 
ancestors were p]nolish, born in the county of Devon- 
shire. Three brothers immigrated to America and set- 
tled in Plj' mouth, Massachusetts, about thirty yeai'S 
after the foundation of that colony. They fled from the 
religious persecutions of Cromwell. But Edmund, Perr\', 
paternal ancestor of Mrs. Butler, in the fourth genera- 
tion, who belonged to the Society of Friends, and was 
a gentleman of education and literary attainments, was 
forced to move to Rhode Island in oi-dei- to enjoy his re- 
ligious belief, and worship God according to the dictates 
of his own conscience. He found the Puritans, of Mas- 
sachusetts, as inveterate in their religious yjersecutions 
as the followeis of Cromwell wei-e in England. Freeman 
Perry, the great grandson of Edmund, and grandfather 
of Mrs. Butler, married the daughter of Oliver Hazard, 
whose brother was Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island . 
Hence the christian name given to Commodore Oliver 
Hazard Perry. Oliver Hazard was said to have been 
"a gentleman of large property, elegant njanners and 
cultivated tastes." P^reeman Perry was a lawyer, who 
acquired distinction in his profession, and after filling- 
various offices of distinction, he was elected Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas. The third son of this gentle- 
man, Christopher Raymond Perry, was the father of 
Mrs. Butler. He entered the Revolutionary war at a 
very early age, and was engaged throughout the whole 
of it in " fighting the battles of his country, both by sea 
and land.'' He rose to be a Captain in the United 
States Navy, and was nmrried to Miss Sarah Alexander 
the mother of Mrs. Butler, in 1784. She was born in 
Ireland, though of Scotch parentage, and I remember 
seeing it stated, in a life af Commodore Perry, that she 
was a descendant of Sir William Wallace. The Captain 



Mrs. Jane Tweedy Butler. 27 

and his bride, whom he married in Philadelphia, at the 
house of her uncle, Matthew Calbi'aith, were said to 
have been "an uncommonly handsome couple." It 
seems that beauty was the inheritance of the iainily. 

Mrs. Butler was married in Brooklyn, New York, De- 
cember, 22d, 1819, to Dr. William Butler, of South Car- 
olina, then a young surgeon in the navy of the United 
States. Dr. Butler was the son of General William But- 
ler, a distinguished officer of the American Revolution, 
and for many years a. member of the United States Con- 
gress from South Carolina. The Docter was also the 
brother of Judge Butler, aftej-ward United States Sena- 
tor, and Governor Butlei-, who was killed at the head of 
his regitnent in Mexico. He once represented the con- 
gressional district of Greenville, Anderson, and Pickens in 
the House of Representatives, and afterwards received 
the appoiniment of Indian Agent. He removed with his 
family to Arkansas and there died. After his death, his 
widow and children returned to South Carolina, except 
his eldest daughter, who married a gentleman in Phila- 
delphia and was living there at the death of her father. 

I have have heard Mrs. Butler speak of her courtship 
and marriage. It seems that both she and Dr. Butler 
fell in love at first sight. The young surgeon was a 
very handsome and prepossessing gentleman, tall and 
slender in person, graceful and courteousin his manners, 
a.nd dressed in his uniform of the navy, was calculated 
to make an impression on the heart of a young beauty, 
just entering the fashionable world, and whose whole 
family belonged to the United States Navy. When he 
addressed her his frank and manly nature prompted 
him to say to her in all candor that her life in South 
Car-olina, on a cotton plantation, surrounded by slaves 
and in some measure cast off from fashionable society, 
would be very different from the life she had been accus- 
tomed to in the gay and fashionable circles of Brook- 
lyn and Newport. But she told him that she was willing 



28 Mrs. Jane Tweedy Butler. 

to foreo'o all the pleasures and chariris of fashionable 
society, give up her early associates, Uindi'ed and 
home for his sake. How this declaration must have 
touched the heart of her young- lover, we can well imag- 
ine. 

But the cotton plantation was in an unhealthy region, 
and after trying it as a residence for a year or two, and 
losing two little children, the Doctor determined to move 
to Greenville, where he and his young wife could enjoy 
both health and society. Mrs. Butler was always fond 
of the society of her friends, and even in her old age took 
great pleasure in seeing and contributing to the innocent 
enjoyment of young persons. She was all her life a 
most devout member and communicant of the Episcopal 
Church, and a sincere Christian. But she did not be- 
lieve that music and dancing were inconsistent with 
Christian duties, feelings and sentiments. She was a 
regular attendant at church ever3' Sabbath, till her 
hearing became so impaired that she could hear neither 
sermon nor service. And she likewise attended 
most of our balls, and parties in her younger days. 
Like Judge Huger she thought it right "to live for 
both this world and the next" — worship God and enjoy 
the society of your friends. 

In 1846 Mrs. Butler, hearing that I was going north 
as far as Boston, proposed giving me letters of introduc- 
tion to her family and relatives in Rhode Island. 
Amongst these letters was one to her sister, Mrs. Com- 
odore Rodgers, living in New London, then a widow of, 
middle age, but still a magnificently handsome lady 
and a lady of great intelligence and charming manners. 
She had been in her youth the lovely belle of Newport. 
My name attracted her attention, and she immediately 
began to trace up a relationship between our ancestors, 
two hundred years ago, who came to Massachusetts. 
She told me afterwards that her little son enquired who 
I was. She told him that I was a kinsman of his from 



Mj£S. Jane Tvveeey Butler. 29 

South Carolina. He replied : " I thought so when I saw 
him getting out of the .steamboat.'.' 

The family of Mrs. Butler all belonged to the navy. 
I think she had five brothers, all naval officers. Two of 
them greatlj^ distinguished. Oliver Hazard became the 
hero of Lake Erie, and in his report of the great victory 
there, he said : " W'^e have met the enemy and they are 
ours." This terse expression will be as immortal asCtB- 
sar's "veni. vidi, vici." Matthew Calbraith Perry also 
became a Commodore, and his Japan expedition has 
made him distinguished. Commodore George Rodgers, 
one of the nost gallant officers of the uar of 1812 was 
likewise her bi'other-inJaw. One of her nephews is now 
Rear Admiral Rodgers, and I think thei-e are several 
others in the naval service. Her young brother. Alex- 
ander Perry, twelve years old, was an officer in the bat- 
tle of Lake Erie. 

Mrs. Butler v as a, worthy sister of her distinguished 
brothers, and a very remarkable lady, endowed by na- 
ture with a vigorous mind, which had been highly culti- 
vated, a warm and sincere heart, and a disposition as 
frank and open as the day. Amidst all her household 
duties, with a large family of children, she nevertheless 
found time to read a great deal and enjoy the society of 
her friends, even in her old age. When our civil war 
broke out, though a Northern lady by birth, and con- 
nected by blood with a great many distinguished offi- 
cers in the navy and army of the United States, she es- 
poused the Southern cause with all of her zeal and ener- 
gy of character, and gave to the Confederacy seven no- 
ble, gallant sons, one of whom rose to the rank of 
General in the Confederate army. General M. C. Butler 
was distinguished as a cavalry officer throughout the 
war and ranked next to Hampton in the estimation of 
his army corps. 

After the close of the war General Brown with a divi- 
sion of the Union or Yankee army went through South 



30 Mrs. Jane Tweedy Butler. 

Carolina, robbin*;- and pliinderi no- everywhere, stealing- 
fine horses and valuable jewelry . Mrs. Butler had the mis- 
fortune to lose one of her horses by these highwaymen 
of the Federal army, and she immediately went to Gen- 
eral Brown and demanded her horse. Some one who 
ac(;ompanied her thought he would make fair weather 
with the General by introducing her as the sister of Com- 
modore Oliver H. Perry. Sht> steridy remarked : "I 
would mnoh rathei', sir, you had introduced nie as the 
mother of General M. C. Butler, of the Confederate 
army ! " This noble ex])ression was worthy of a Roman 
matron, and would have done credit to the mother of 
the Gracchi ! 

Mi-s. Butlei- was a lady of strong feelings and quick 
impulses, which governed her conduct through life. 
Oui- friendship continued for more than a. half century, 
with tiie exception of one brief interval. Di". Butler was 
the Whig candidate for Congress, and I was the Demo- 
cratic candidate foi- a seat in the State Senate. She met 
me during the canvass, and said with a good deal of 
feeling: "You have been electioneiBring against my hus- 
band ! " I replied that I had been making Democratic 
speeches against the Whigs, but had said nothing per- 
sonally against Dr. Butler. I also remarked, that I 
dee])ly regretted party divisions would require me to 
vote against him ! This she regarded, wonmn-like, as a 
violation of friendship, and a sort of A-p.s.r m^jistatis, 
and said to me most indignantly, "I will never speak to 
you again, sir! "' I calmly replied that she had the right 
to refuse to speak to whom she pleased, and I would en- 
d«nivor to bear it as best I could. But in a very short 
time siie not only wpoke tome, but acted as if no differ- 
ence had ever occurred between us. 

A short time before her death she wrote me 
that she had undeistood I was trying to col- 
lect the uiq^ublished poetry of the Hon. Warren 
R. Davis— that he had addressed to her several 



Mrs. Jane Tweedy Uutler. 31 

pretty odes which she had sent to her sister, Mrs. 
Commodore Rodgers, and that if 1 would write to her 
son, Rear Admiral Rodgers, he could probably find them 
amongst his mother's papers. In this note she took 
occasion to remark that I and one lady only were now 
living who had known her intimately from the time she 
came to Greenville to live. 

Mrs. Butler was the mother of sixteen children, eight 
of whom, four sons and four daughters, are still living. 
One of her sons died before the civil war, an officer in 
the United States army. One was killed in the Confed- 
ate service, and two others lost limbs in the same ser- 
vice. In the death of this remarkable lady, of high 
character and most distinguisded family and connec- 
tions, society has lost one of its most valued members. 
Her high endowments of mind and heart, her moral 
worth, and deep religious character, are the noblest in- 
heritance she could leave her children and grandchil- 
dren. 

In a memorandum of her father's family, and her own 
children, written in 18G4 by Mrs. Butler, which has 
been sent me by her daughter, she says : " I may add to 
this record that my '^ihildren are all doing well, and that 
I have lived to have them fill my heart with pride by- 
following in a measure the examples of some of their 
noble ancestors and relatives." She did take a great 
pride in her children, and had a right to do so. They 
likewise will ever cherish the memory of their noble 
mother. 







BENJAMIN F. BUTLER. 

TyUK iiio8t iin.scrnpulous and shameless public man 
I have ever met in life, is cei'tainl y (leneral Butler, 
who haw been flubbed, '' Beast," "Brute,'' and "Spoon,s." 
It has been said, that there once lived a <>()od old man, 
who always said somethin<>* in praise of everyone whou) 
he heai-d abused. In order to tevst the extent of this 
feelino- on the part of the old man, some onecommenced 
al/usin^- the Devil in his presence, to which he lis- 
tened for some time, and finally replied by saying: "You 
must admit, however, that he has great ability." I 
will make the same admission for General Butler. 

Ten or twelve years ago, 1 was in Massachusetts, 
whilst Butler vvasthe Democi-a tic candidate for Governor 
of that State. He was then fiercer thaii the fien^est 
Southei'U Bei-essionists in his denunciations of the 
black llepuMcans. I i-ead with great interest his speeches, 
and was amused with biographical sketches of him by 
the Radical press, during the canvass, and determined 
to make his ac(]uaintance, if it was ever in my power. 
The opportunity did not oc(tur till the Charleston Con- 
vention in 18G0. I went up to him and introduced 
myself, after he was pointed out to me by a member of 
the Massachusetts delegation, who said he was "a singe 
cat," a nnich greater man than he looked to be. I said 
to him that I was staying with a friend, Dr. F. Y. Poi- 
cher. who had requested me to invite some Northern 
gentleman, a n>end)er of the Democratic convention, to 
come andtakeuphis (]uai;t(^rs with us during the sitting 
of the convention, and tlia^t I ishOuld be vei\ happy if he 
would accept the Doctor's invitation. I thought he 
would find it more pleasant than being at the over- 
crowded hotels in the city. He thanked me very kindly 



Benjamin F. Butler. 33^ 

for the invitation, but said he was messino- with a party 
of friends on board of a steamboat and could not leave 
them. In the course of our conversation then, or at 
some otlier time, whilst in the Convention, he said to me, 
speaking' of the slavery question : " This issue will come 
some day, but you of the South are in no danger. We 
at the North will have to meet it, and they will have 
to pass over our dead bodies before they reach you." 
Those weie his very words. I have frequently repeated 
them, and thought of them since. They made a deep 
impi-ession on my mind at the time, and I have often 
contrasted them with the subsequent conduct of General 
Butler. 

He voted thirty S(n-en times in the convention for Jef- 
ferson Davis, and afterwards bolted from the Balti- 
more Convention with General Cashing and joined the 
Secessionists. After all this, he went over to the black 
Republicans and was honored for his desertion of the 
Democratic principles which he had so boldly- defended 
for a number of yea is in Massachusetts. He embraced 
the faith and creed of those whom he had denounced 
with more bitterness, perhaps, than any other man in 
Anierica. When commissionprs were sent by the South 
Carolina State Convention to treat with President 
Buchanan about the forts in Charleston, General But- 
ler was in Washington, and even then counselled and ad- 
vised with the commissioners as to their best mode of 
action. His outrageous conduct since is well known to 
the American peo])le. His infamous course in New Or- 
leans and his course in Congress need no comments. 

In the winter of 1866, I met General Butler in Wash- 
ington, and in speafcingdf the condition of the Southern 
States, he said to me: "You may make any qualifica- 
tions you please in South Carolina, in reference to the 
right of suffrage, so you apply it to both races. If you 
wish to avoid negro suffrage, you may enact that no 
one but a graduate of the South Carolina College shall 



34 Benjamin F. Butler. 

be allowed to vote. Or you may annex other qualifica- 
tions, applyino- them equally to the whites a,nd blacks. 
This will satisfy the North." The General had improved 
so much in his pei'sonal appearence during; the war. 
that I did not at first recognize him, notwithstanding 
his very remarkable features. He had grown much 
stouter, and looked more genteel than he did in the 
Charleston Convention. 

General Butler is one of the most remarkable looking 
men I ever saw. It would seem that nature had given 
him a face to correspond with his heart. I will not at- 
tempt to describe either. But as the good old man 
said of the devil, he has great abilit3^ In repartee he 
has few equals. He is always prompt and severe, rude 
and unscrupulous. 

Shortly after the trial and execution of Dr. Webster, 
a professor in the Harvard University, a gentleman was 
being very rudely handled by Butler on the witness, 
stand in court, when the Judge stopped him and said, 
"you must remember, General Butler, that the witness 
is one of the learned professors of the Harvard Uni- 
versity, and entitled to more respect in your cross ex- 
amination.'' "Yes, may it please your Honor," was 
his prompt reply, "I remember we hung one of those 
learned professors not long since." 






CHARLES J. COLCOCK. 

TtUDGE COLCOCK was one of the Appeal Judges, be- 
Ml fore whom I was admitted to the bar. He had been 
an Associate Judge for many years, SoHotor, and alead- 
ing member of the Legislature. He resigned his seat on 
the Appeal bench, and was elected president of the Bank 
the State. After his resignation of his seat on the 
bench, he became a very active politician in Charleston, 
and presided at most of their Nullification meetings. 
When I was first elected a member of the Legislature, 
I made a speech in opposition to some interests of the 
bank. Judge Colcock was present and heard it. After 
the Legislature adjourned, I went to Charleston, and 
met the Judge in the streets. He enquired when it would 
be convenient for me to dine with him. A day was 
named, and 1 met at his table a very pleasant party of 
gentlemen. Not having previously had any particular 
acquaintance with the Judge, I was at alossto account 
for his especial hospitality — whether it was in compliment 
to my independence in opposing his bank, or whether it 
was on the principle that Doctor Franklin acted when 
he borrowed a book of a 3'oung member of the Pennsyl- 
vania Legislature who had made a speech against his 
election as Clerk of the House. But I afterwards as- 
certained that Mrs. Colcock was the intimate friend and 
kinswoman of my intended mother-in-law, and the 
Judge's kindness was on that account. 

In the fall of 1837 I find the following memoranda of 
conversations with Judge Colcock, noted in my journal : 
"September 27th.— Judge Colcock and lady arrived 
here yesterday. I had a long talk with him on banks 
and banking last night. He favors the separation of 
governments from all banks, and also the payment of 



36 Oharlek J. Corx'ocK; 

the revenue in <2:old and silv^er. He i8 opposed to a na- 
tional Bank, and says there is no doubt of its unconsti- 
tionality. He was oi)posed to the State Bank suspend- 
ing; specie payments. His ])lan was to <>o on and pay 
out every dollar they had, and that it would have taken 
a great while to collect all the two dollar bills issued by 
the bank. Judge Colcock as President of the Bank 
of the State, refused to adopt the measure till the citi- 
zens petitioned for it. He said if the banks had con- 
tinu<3d to pay specie, it would have been the means of 
getting rid of one half of them. The insolvent ones 
would have had to stop, and the solvent banks could 
have gone on. I have been very much pleased with 
Judge Colcock. He is said to be a self-willed and stub- 
born man. These qualities ai-e very apt to be associated 
with honesty. Mrs. Colcock is a, very interesting lady, 
and I like her very much." 

" October 1st, 1837. — Chancellor DeSaussure is very 
ill. I went into his room last night. He appeared 
cheei-ful and talked of England and the English Govern- 
ment. He said O'Connell had the power of that govern- 
ment in his own hands, the Whigs and Conservatives 
being equally divided. Ireland was destined to be a 
thorn in the side of England, and the Union was bad at 
present. Judge Colcock spoke of his first circuit in the 
upper country as a practicing lawyer. He and a 
Charleston lawyer went to Spartanburg court, and what 
a scene they witnessed ! In the night they saw several 
hundred persons stripped and fighting by torch lights 
and light wood fires. The Charleston lawyer, Mr. Ten- 
nant, left next morning without waiting for court to 
meet, oi- nmking his appearance in court at all. Judge 
Colcock mentioned the following anecdote of Judge 
Burke, who had a great horror of gouging. He thought 
boxing a manly exercise, and not at all disreputable in 
the settlement of difficulties between the yeomanry of 
the country ; but gouging and biting were savage and 



Charles J. Colcock. 37 

brutal, and unbeconiing' manhood. Whilst tryin*^ a 
land case at Cambridge, ^Tudoe Burke took special notice 
of the parties liti^jant and their witnesses. He observed 
a ftOOiJ many eyes missing* and was greatly horrified at 
the spectacle which had not attracted the attention of 
any one else. After the testimony was heard, and the 
argument concluded, it became the duty of his Honor to 
cha.rge the jury on the law of thecase, and hecommenced 
in the followin<i' language: 'Before God, gentlemen of 
the jury, I never saw such a thing before in the world! 
There is a pla.intiff with an eye out ! The defendant with 
an eye out! A juror with an eye out! And two wit- 
nesses with an eye out! What a state of society you 
must have in this part of the country ! It is savage and 
brutal.'" 

'' October Sd, 18S7. — Governor Hayne returned last 
evening. He is full of anecdotes. In speaking of Lord 
Selkirk, whom his son, William Hayne, had just visited in 
England, the Governor said his Lordship was in South 
Carolina a few years since, and gavehim a, mostgraphic 
description of his passage from Columbia to Charleston 
in the stage. Whilst passing through a gloomy region 
of the country, amidst the pines and swamps, late in 
the night, the horses ran off, l:>ut kept the road. Lord 
Selkirk hnd heard dreadful accounts of the stage drivers, 
their driving, and the roughness of the roads. At first 
he thought the drivei- was giving him and his white 
servant (no one else being in the coach) a specimen of 
his fast, rough. Democratic driviny:. The jolting was 
terrible, but he bore it patiently for sometime. At last 
he began to remonstrate, l:)ut he was not heeded by the 
driver. Finally he got up and found there was no one 
on the driver's box. Suddenly one of the wheels came 
off, and the horses were unable to proceed any farther. 
He wentjback to look^for the driver and found him lying- 
in the road with his head crushed to pieces. In speaking 
of Mr. Calhoun's speech on the President's message, 



B8 Charles J. Colcock. 

Governor Hayne said he was surprised to find the 
separation of the government from all banks and the 
payment of the revenue in specie so favorably received 
in Charleston. Both the Courier and Mercury approved 
the measure, and .ludge Colcock, president of the bank, 
expressed himself in favor of it the other night. The 
Governor said he had no doubt all this was owing- to 
Mr. Calhoun's letters and correspondence. That Mi'. 
Calhoun had been wi-iting to his friends with a view of 
feeling his strength on this question ; that Judge Colcock 
had the most implicit confidence in the wisdom and 
sagacity of Mr, Calhoun, and that the Mercury had 
probably received a lesson from Barnwell Smith, who is 
the brother-in-law of the editor." 

Judge Colcock whilst on the Appeal bench, was very 
much given to indulging himself in a short nap, whilst 
the lawyers were boring the court with their long and 
dull arguments. Now and then he would be roused from 
his slumbers by the vehemence of the counsel, to the 
great amusement of his associates on the bench, who, 
no doubt, envied him his happy facultj^ of killing time. 







THOMAS CORWIN. 

IN the bitter part of tlio Winter of iH^a, whilst hk- 
sistin";- in the (lef(Mi('(^ of Dr. (lardiiuM-, in tiie Distrifit 
(^ourt nt Wa8liinj»t()n, it wns my jl>-oo(J fortune to make 
th(^ !ic(in{iintance of (Jovei-nor (\)r\vin, \vh() vvjis then a 
memlxM' of Picsident Mlimoi-e's Cabin<>t. lie imd al- 
iva,(]y been, for many yea rs, a menil«n-*of the House of 
lle])resentativeH of th(* Uniti'd States, anil Senator in 
Congress from the State of Ohio, as well as (j<)V<'rnor (jf 
that State. I had known him l»y reputation foi- many 
yeaj-s ])i"evi()us to my int i-odnction tf) him, and was 
|)reiudited ajiainst him. He had taken a strong;' stand 
aji^ainst the South, and said many hitter thin<»:s against 
us, both in f'onorcss and in his electioneering- s])eerhes 
befo]-e the people. A gentleman, who had a, wonderful 
memory, onee repeated to nie poitions of a speech he 
heai-d him make in Ohio, whilst canvassin<i th(^ State for 
(Jovernor. Nothinj^could have be(,>n more sarcastic and 
venomous than hiw allusion to South Carolina and her 
jtolilicsat that time. Whilst a. member of the United 
States Senate, he made; a most ekxpient and ])owerful 
speech a<2;ainst the Mexican War, and went so fai- as to 
Hay that our soldiers and otficers there should be wel- 
comed by the Mexicans "with bloody hands to hos])it- 
able graves " 

Whilst Mr. Corwin was a. niend)ei- of the House of 
RepresentativcM with Hugh S. Legale, there was a, diH- 
pute about Home claHwical allunion or quotation, which 
was referred to Mr. Legare. This gentleman, who was 
pre-eminent for his scholarship and classical learning, 
said: "Ask Corwin; he remembers everything." Mr. 
Corwin wan, at that time, comparatively a young man ; 
but his re})utation as a, scholar was unsurj)assed in Con- 



40 Thomas Corwin. 

gress. His eloquence, too, was of the most stiri-ing- and 
thri]lMi<>- character. In the deliveiy of liis speeches and 
orations, he was an actor as well as an orator. 

The next day, after my introdution to Governor Cor- 
win, he invited me to dine with him. There wei-e two or 
thr€^e genth^men present with his danghteis at the table. 
Mrs. Coiwin had returned to Onio,and was not present. 
I do not know that I was ever more agreeably enter- 
tained at a gentlemnn's table. In writinji- home an ac- 
count of the entertainment, I said: "I have just re- 
tui-ned from a. most agreeable and interesting dinner 
party at Mi-. Seci-etary Corwin 's, and really I have 
seldom, if ever, met a, more charming gentleman than 
Governor Corwin. How little do we know of public men 
whom we have never seen?" How often, too, is our 
opinion of them founded in error and prejudice. This, 
I am f i-ee to confess, was my case in i-egard to Senator 
Corwin. In conversation, he is surpassed by no one, 
full of learning' and information, wit and humor, and 
his manners are warm, frank and cordial. He spoke in 
strong terms of denunciation of the abolition feeling, 
and the character of the Yankee Abolitionists. He said 
they were a whining, canting, praying set of fellows, who 
'ke])t regular books of debit ai.'d credit with the Al- 
mighty. They would lie and cheat all the week, and 
pray off their sins on Sunday. If they could steal a 
negro, that nuide a, very large entry to their credit, and 
would cover a multitude of peccadillos and fraud. This 
sort of entries they were always glad to make, because 
it cost them nothing. When they could not steal a 
negro, they gave something in chai-ity and for the ex- 
tension of the Gospel, and then commenced a system of 
fraud and cheating, till they thought they had balanced 
accounts with their God ! 

Governor Corwin'said on Ir's i-eturn to Ohio, after he 
had accepted a seat in President Fillmore's Cabinet, he 
was met by a long-faced Yankee preacher, who took him 



Thomas Corwin. 41 

to task for sanetioninji,' and approving the compromise. 
The Governor inquired what objections he had to the 
compromise, to which the preacher replied : " The Fugi- 
tive Slave Bill." "Are you better," said Mr. Corwin, 
"than St. Paul?" "No," said the preacher, "I do 
not suppos(^ I am." " Well," said Mr. Corwin, "he ad- 
vised a fugitive slave to return to his master, but you, 
a damned hyprocite, would haveassisted him in making 
his escape to Canada." 

Governor Corwin was a gentleman of ordinary height, 
rather stout and well built, with a very dark com- 
plexion, black hair and black eyes. There was nothing 
very striking or commaTiding in his appearance. But 
every one who saw him would see that he was a man of 
strong intellect and firm purpose. I should not have 
taken him for an orator, but for a man of great prac- 
tical sense and wisdom. There was nothing of the 
scholar or student in his appearance. He would have 
passed, amongst strangers as the most practical of 
men, a great manufacturer or merchant, cool, calculat- 
ing and mechanical. Looking at him, one would sup- 
pose he was a good liver, though temperate. He was 
so. No one would have supposed there was any poetry 
in his composition, oi* eloquence in his nature, or love of 
literature in the man. 

In the letter from which I have made a quotation, I 
state that Governor Corwin is very much like Chancellor 
Dunkin in hia manner of conversing. He tells a story 
better than any one I ever heard, because he acts the 
story. On the stage he would have had few equals. I 
once heard him tell a story of his early reminiscences of 
the bar in the Great West, to a number of gentlemen, 
with Wonderful humor and dramatic effect. He was 
attending court in some remote county in Ohio, where 
there was a young, gauky, green lawyer, who wished to 
be initiated into the fraternity of Free Masons. The 
Judge and bar concluded they would have rare sport 



42 Thomas Cor win. 

with the fellow. Corwin was present, and took an 
active part in the mysterious ceremonies. The lod^e 
was dimly lighted, and one of the cempany .vas dressed 
up to represent the Devil, with horns, tail and cloven 
foot. All the paraphernalia of Masonry, with a good 
deal besides, was placed in order to have the best effect. 
The young lawyer was introduced with great solemnity, 
and told to make a confession of all his sins before 
initiation. He commenced, and related a great many 
little peccadillos which he had committed in the course 
of his life. He had lied a good deal, cheated some, and 
stolen a little. When he concluded, the father-confessor 
told him to make a clean breast of it, or the Devil would 
take him off instantly. Tliis terrible looking personage 
commenced stamping with his cloven foot, and wagging 
his ugly tail furiously. The young lawyer began to 
tremble like an aspen leaf; great drops of perspira- 
tion rolled down his ashy-pale face, and his knees were 
seen to knock together. He hesitated, and begged that 
the ceremony might be suspended. His father-confessoi- 
replied that it must go on. He then begged that he 
might be permitted to withdraw, but he was told that 
this was not permissable. Having once entered the 
lodge he was compelled to go through the ceremony, and 
it could not be postponed to a future night. The Devil, 
too, began to advance on him, and told him to "out 
with it," for he knew very well the crime which he was 
trying to conceal from his brother Masons. In utter 
desperation, the fellow said, on one occasion — giving 
time and place— he had been too intimate with the 
Judge's wife! If a thunder-bolt had fallen on the floor, 
it could not, said Governor Corwin, have produced 
greater consternation. Instantly the meeting broke up. 
and the Judge separated from his wife. 

Governor Corwin was a, native of Kentucky, and told 
me that it was his purpose to return to Kentucky, and 
spend the remainder of his life. He said he had de- 



Thomas Cokwin. 43 

teriniiied so to do from a circumstance whicli liad hap- 
pened on his return liome to vote foi- Governor Scott. 
He was seated by the fire, playing with his children, the 
evening of his arrival at home, when a number of Ger- 
mans called to demand his reasons for refusing to vote 
supplies for the troops in Mexico? He said, in all proba- 
bility, they were the descendent of those Hessians wliom 
his fatlier had fought in the Revolutionary War. One 
of them he kicked out of his house, and shut the door 
on the others. But Governor Corwin did not return to 
his native State, but died a citizen of Ohio. 



JOHN JAY CRITTENDEN. 



N my eaily youth, long before Mr. Critteiideii entered 
public life at Washington, I heard him spoken of by 
gentlemen from Kentucky, as one of the ablest lawyers 
and most eloquent advocates at any Bar in the United 
States. By many he was even then regarded as the equal 
of Henry Clay in learning, talents and ability. So rapid 
was his rise at the Bar, and so brilliant was his fame as 
a lawyer, that he was nominated by Pi-esident John 
Quincy Adams, as Judge of the Supreme Court of the 
United States when he was only thirty-seven years old. 
But the Senate did not approve of the nomination of 
one so young to so high a position in the Judiciary. It 
is likely, too, that the opposition to Mr. Adams in the 
Senate of the United States was unwilling to see the 
bosom friend of Mr. Clay, his Secretary of State, placed 
on the Supreme Bench. Political parties were very bit- 
ter at that time, and Mr. Clay had made himself very 
odious to the Jackson party by his support of Adams 
and taking office under him. 

Mr. Ci-ittenden was elected to the Senate of the United 
States from Kentucky in 1835, as the colleague of Henry 
Clay. When he made his debut in that illustrious body 
as a public speaker, it is said that Mr. Clay was deeply 
interested, and manifested great concern for the success 
of his friend. But he never felt any uneasiness after- 
wards when his colleague rose to address the Senate. 
He was sure he would not only sustain the high repu- 
tation he had brought witii him from Kentucky, but 
that his fame would increase with eveiy effort he made. 

In 1841 Mr. Crittenden resigned his seat in the Senate 
and accepted the office of Attorney General, under 
President Hariison. The death of President Harrison 



John J. Crittenden. 45 

and the accession of Tyler to the Presidency of the 
United States, caused the resignation of the Attorney 
Genei-al. I saw several letters from Mr. Crittenden to 
General Thompson, explaining his reasons for retiring 
from the cabinet of President Tyler. The^' expressed the 
highest and most delicate sense of honor, in terms most 
courtly and graceful. I was in admiration of the man, 
the patriot and statesman. We are very apt to form 
some idea of the persona] appearance of those we know 
by reputation only and admire. How seldom are those 
ideas correctly drawn. The pious and philosophical 
writer of " The Leisure Moments of a Country Parson," 
says that he had never seen Dickens and never wished to 
see him. He admired him so much, and had formed such 
an opinion of his appearance, maimers, cV:c., that he was 
afraid of being disappointed in seeing him. My opinion 
of Crittenden, after reading his letters and speeches in 
the United States Senate, was, that he must be a most 
polished gentleman, tall, graceful and fine looking, digni- 
fied in his manners, and not easily approached. When 
1 visited Washington in 184G, I had the pleasure of an 
introduction to Mr. Crittenden and received an invita- 
tion to spend the eveinng with him and Senator Archer 
at their rooms on Capitol Hill. Senatoi- Barron of 
Louisiana, Mr. Pendleton of Virginia, the Russian 
Minister, Boadisco, and one or two other gentlemen 
were present. A game of whist was proposed, and Mr, 
Crittenden pulled off his coat, placed a bottle of whiskey 
on the table, and commenced the game, with the Russian 
Minister as his partner. Whilst looking at him in his 
shirt sleeves, taking a glass of corn whiskey, and cutting 
his wit at his Imperial Highness' Embassador, I thought 
to myself, is it possible that this little plain, rough-look- 
ing man, is the tall, high bred, polished and courtly 
gentleman I had pictured to my mind on reading his 
noblest speeches and high toned letters ! The charm was 
broken, and I thought that "distance lends enchantment 



4() John J. Cki'ptkndk.n. 

to lli(> view" of liiiinan «2,i'(>;it iicss, as well as tliat of 
laoiinlaiii sctMUTv ! Mi'. Ciit tcndcii was i-callv ui;i.v, with 
cont ractrd feat arcs, and had iios(anii) ol <2,i'(>a(iu'ss in 
his i»(Msoiial a|)|)t'aran(t\ or iiiaMucrs. II(> was rather 
uiid(>r the auMliiiiii height and slender. It seenuMl to nie 
that ap' was rapidly telling' on him, hnt he hved in nse- 
l"ui |)ul)lic life for upwards of (ifteiMi ,\«>ars afterwards, 
and married his third wife wh(Mi he must have been 
se\( nty years old. 

lie was a _i2,-ood whist player. I sui)pos(>, for he found 
^real fault with his Hussian partnei- and abused his 
|)la.\iui; roundly. lltM >ld him h(> onji,ht not to have ex- 
|»eeted anything' better frt)m one of the «ii'eat Czar's 
snbj(>cts. for t he_\- were only seun-civilized, and most of 
them iu)l niU('habo\(> tht> North .VnuM-icau abori«;ines! 
The Russian Miniiuster, who was as |)lain in his aj)- 
l>earane»> as Mr. Ci'it tendtMi. and eipially demoei'atic. 
took ali this in <:,ood part and i-etorted as well as he 
coidd. 

Hoatlisco was lifty cu- sixty yeai's old and had not 
man\' ,\'ears before this married a school iiirl in (i(>oi'ii,'e- 
town, about sixteiMJ or seventeen years old. The wed- 
din>»," was said to have Ixmmi a most nm,<i,nilieent one, and 
the brides t rousseau was made up in I'arisand prt>sented 
by th(> brid(\ii,i'oom. She wasa very beaut iful and lox'ely 
jiirl. and 1 remendxM- lu'arinii' Mrs. Poinsett, who was at 
the weddini;. say that she dejiorttul herself on the 
occasion as if she had been a princess born and«>ducated. 

When 1 met Mr. Ci-ittendeu in 1SI(>. he had b«>en mar- 
rietl se\-eral y(>ars to his second wife, a tint> lookin<;- and 
maiiuilicent lady. Sh<> was a widow with seven or eiiiht 
children, and he had about the same number. A prc^tty 
liood numb(>r for a marri(>d coupU* to conuneiice life 
with. It is said they all lived tojietluM- in beautiful 
harmony and domestic happiness. 1 had the pleasure 
of making .Mrs. Crittenden's ac(inaintnne(\ and she was, 
indetMi, a charnun^- lady. A «i('ntlenmn who was on 
terms of «;i-eat intimacy with the familw told me that he 



John .1. (Irittendion. 47 

once julviNfMl licr to six'iik to Mr. Oritti'iideii nhoiit the 
bad liabitH one of liissoiiH\vn.s('Oiitr}U'tiii<i,'. Slic replied : 
"1 have made it a rule never to Kixiak to Mr. CrittcMiden 
re|)i-ovir)<;ly of any of lii.s eliildi-eii." Some y(!a,i-s nftei' 
tlii.s, Ml'. Crittenden had th(; luisfoi'tujie toloset his most 
excellent and aecompliHhed lady. He 1 hen maiiied his 
thii-d wife, who was the; widow of (Jeneral Asheley. of 
Kentucky, a <iay and fashionaJ)le lady between fifty and 
sixty. 

It waw in this session of 1840, and just before^ my 
arrival in WaKhin<iton that Mr. Crittenden inad(? his in- 
dignant burst in the Sena,t(! a<j:,ainst Senator Allen, of 
Ohio, who had undertaken to lecture the Senatois on 
their duty and f)ropriety in some measure before the 
Senate. He c()mm(Mi(;e(l with a familiar (|Uotati{)n from 
Shakespeare: "What meat is this out- Ca'sar feeds ou, 
that lu> has jiTOwn so f>reat," &c.; and then said : "Mr. 
President, I never meet vul<;a,r ari'o<>an('e or [)retensi{*n, 
b>it that the instinct of my natures pi'ompts me to 
trani])le it in the dust," &c. The whoh; sp(!ech was 
scornful and withering in the exti-(uiu! and <ii'eatly 
applauded. 

In 184G Ml'. ('i-iltenden rc^tii-ed fi-om the Sena1(! and 
was elected (lovernoi" of Kentucky. lb; was th(Mi 
appointed the second time Attorney-(}(Mi(M-a,l of the 
United States by President Fillmore. In 1852 or 'r>:i, 
he was a^ain (ilectcnl to tluf Senate, and continued a 
member of that body till tin; breaking out of the civil 
war. He strove most zealously and patriotically to 
avert this dreadful issue, but his pi'oj)osed com])romis<' 
was rejected and he died before the close of the war. His 
eldest son took sides with the Confederacy and b(!cauie 
a ^-eneraJ in the i-(;<!:ular army. TIk^ father of Mr. (Jrit- 
tenden was one of theearly pioneer settlers of Kentucky, 
and was killed by the falling- of a tree, leavin<jj hisfamily 
in very humble cii'cumstances. His children w(M-e noted 
for intellectual ability. Few men have died in Ken- 
tucky more distinguished or venerated for their virtues 
and talents than John Jay Crittenden. 



SALMON P. CHASE. 



S I was on my way to llje New York Democratic 
Coiiveiition, I stopped in Washington a day or 
two for the pin-pose of seeing the President and others. 
Mr. Lono, of Ohio, kindly invited me to visit the Chief 
Justice, and have a conversation with him in reference 
to his ])olitical views and opinions. 

The na-me of Chief Jnsti(>e ('hase had Ix^en prominently 
brought before the ])ublie as a candidate for the Presi- 
dential nomination bv the Now York Convention. Gov- 
ernor Bonham, of South Carolina, and Col. Jones, of 
Kentucky, accompanied us. The Chief Justice received 
us very kindly and we dis(nissed the politics of the day 
for some time. In reference to himself, he said, that he 
had always adhered to the Democratic principles and 
was a States' Rights man. I mentioned that I remem- 
bered on one occasion he an(i Mr. Barnwell Rhett, of 
South Carolina, voted togetbei' in the Serate on a very 
important States' Rights question as to the rendition 
of fugitive slaves. He replied, that, on that occasion, 
after expressing his views in reference to the fugitive 
slave bill, Mr. Rhett came over to his seat and said : " I 
agree with you in the views you have expressed, they are 
the true States' Rights doctrine." The Chief Justice 
contended in that debate, that Congress had no consti- 
tutional power to pass the fugitive slave bill, but that 
the Constitution recjuired the States to do so. I remem- 
ber thinking at the time, that Mr. Chase knew very well 
the Noi-thern States would pass no law on the subject, 
and that if Congress did not, no fugitives would be sur- 
rendered. T thought, likewise, that Mr. Rhett entertained 
the same opinion, and that this refusal on the part 
of the Northern States would o-reatlv increase the excite- 



Salmon P. Chase. 49 

inent at the South snd pave the way to disunion. 

The Southern States could say the North has bi'oken 
the Federal compact, and we are no longer bound by it. 

In thinking this, I may have done both the Chief 
Justice and Mr. Rhett injustice. But it was rather 
strange to see two Senators, the anti-podes of each other 
on slavery, voting together on so vital a question. 

In reference to the right of suffrage, the Chief Justice 
said it was for the States to regulate this matter, and 
that Congress had no power to legislate on the subject. 
He thought there would be no difficulty in controlling the 
negro vote in the Southern States. "Property and 
brains," said he, " will always control labor." I thought 
to myself, why are you, then, in favor of negroes voting, 
when you admit they may be always controlled by their 
employers? It is nothing more or less, than giving ad- 
ditional suffrage to property and brains. I replied to 
the Chief Justice, that carpet baggers from the North 
had the negroes under their control in the Southern 
States, and that they would not be influenced by their 
former owners and true friends. He said this could not 
continue long. The carpet-baggers would have to leave 
the country pretty soon, or become identified with the 
people in interest and feeling. 

I was very much impressed with the Chief Justice as a 
man of talents and ability. He is certainly one of the 
ablest men in America. He is a noble looking gentleman 
and his manners are very pleasant and agreeable. He 
converses extremely well. I thought he seemed very 
willing to be nominated by the Democratic party. But 
it would be strange indeed, as I wrote General Hampton, 
to see the Democratic party going into the camp of the 
enemy to select a general to com[nand their forces in 
battle. Mr. Chase would have been the nominee of the 
Radical party, but for the military reputation of Gene- 
ral Grant. 

There was a strong feeling in the convention to bring 



50 Salmon P. Chase. 

forward the Chief Justice, and he would have beeu 
nominated by the New York delegation, had not Horatio 
Seymour's name been presented, when it was, by the 
Ohio delegation. His nomination would have been a 
bitter pill for Southern Democrats to swallow, as he had 
always been the fiercest of Abolitionists, and one of the 
bitterest opponents of the South. 



WINFIELI) SCOTT HANCOCK. 

I,. SAW General Hancock for the first time, in the ladies* 
i parlor at tiie Metropolitan Hotel in Washington, as 
1 was on my way to the Democi-atic Convention in New 
York. I admired very much his appearance and man- 
ners. He is a tall, stout gentleman, with a fine face and 
head. He left his cnrd for me at the office of the hotel, 
and I called to see him the next day, in company with 
several others, and amongst them. General Bonham, 
whose Adjutant, General Hancock had been in the Mexi- 
can war. He talked very freely about the Presidential 
nomination, and seemed very willing to .be selected as 
the standard bearer of the Democracy. He has all the 
frankness of a soldier, with the polish and cordiality of 
a well-bred gentleman. He is a man of great good 
sense and ability, and I should say possesses a good 
heart. His administration in Louisiana and Texas 
rendered him very popular with the Democracy every- 
where. North as well as South. His conduct was in 
striking contrast with that of flie military satraps who 
had been appointed in the Southern States. He showed 
in every act of his government a love of republican 
principles, and a devotion to civil and constitutional 
liberty. His letters in defence of his conduct, and his 
instructions to civil officers, are admirable. He has a 
a very happy way of expressing himself in his letters 
and writings. 

South Carolina, and most of the Southern States, cast 
their votes for him after President Johnson was with- 
drawn. Independent of tlie high appreciation of his wise, 
just and liberal administration, the South wished to 
show the world that she could honor and respect a brave 
General, who, in the discharge of his duty, had waged 



52 WiNFiELD Scott Hancock. 

war ag:ainst her, and after the wai* was over, had been 
disposed to treat her with the ma*2,nanimity of an hon- 
orable victor. 

After the convention adjourned. General Hancock 
came on to New York, where I had the pleasure of 
meeting him again. He seemed a little dispirited at his 
defeat, but very grateful to the South for her support. 
I witnessed the introduction between him and General 
Wade Hampton. They fought a terrible battle in Vir- 
ginia, where Hampton captured twenty-three hundred 
of his troops, and would have captured him if he had 
been allowed to pursue his victory. Immediately on 
their introduction, General Hancock said to Hampton: 
"We have met })efore, General." "Yes, sir," replied 
Hampton, "we met once before in Virginia, I kno\v." 
They commencsed fighting over their battle again, and 
had quite an interesting conversation. 

General Hancock is in the prime of life, and may yet 
live to be President. His letter, after the nomination, 
to a, friend in Missouri, who informed him that it was 
reported he would not support the nomination, is a 
manly and admirable one. The General says in this 
letter that he was thought of only on account of his 
principles, and that it would be strange indeed for him 
to abandon his principles because anothei' had been 
selected to carry them out. 

The record of General Hancock in the history of the 
war is equal to that of any of his distinguished com- 
peers in the Federal Army. 



MRS. LOUISA CUNNINGHAM. 



^^HIS accoraplisbed and patriotic lady deserves nioi-e 
"M than a passinji,- obituai-y notice, which I have been 
requested to write by her talented and distinguished 
daughter, the Regent of the Mount Vernon Association. 
I knew her well, and enjoyed her warm and disinterested 
friendship for neai-ly the half of a century. In the 
course of a. long life, 1 have never met a lady of higher 
social qualities, or purei- sentiments of duty and patri- 
otism. 

Mrs. Cunningham departed this life on the 6th of Oc- 
tober, 1873, at her old family niaTision, "Ross Mont," 
in Laurens County, South Carolina, in the eightieth year 
of her age. She was the wife of Captain Rol)ert Cun- 
ningham, distinguished for his wealth, culture and 
noble hospitality. Helivediii baronial style, surrounded 
by all the luxuries which foii une can give. His house 
was ever the resort of friends and acquain(:anc^^s, from 
the lower and u})per country, who always met a most 
cordial and hospitable reception, and the longer they 
sta,yed the njore welcome they were. He was a gentle- 
man of great public spiiit and charity, as well as hospi- 
tality and friendshif). During the War of 1812, he 
raised a volunteer companj^, and entered the service of 
his country. He adopted and educated sevei-al of his 
own and his wife's nephews and nieces. The Hon. Wil- 
liam L. Yancey, and his brother, Benjamin C. Yancey, 
were among them. 

Mrs. Cunningham was thedaughter t^f Colonel William 
Bird, of Pennsylvania, who moved to Georgia in 1790. 
His family was one of great social distinction and wealth 
in Pennsylvania, and three of his sisters married into 
the families of signers of the Declaration of American 



54 Mrs. Louisa Cunningham. 

Independence — Reed, of Delaware; Georf^e Ross and 
Jud^e Wilson of theSuprenie Court of the United States. 
The family mansion of the Birds, in Birdsborou^'h, is 
historical, and was one of the most elep:ant residences 
in the Colony. Mrs. Cunningham was born in Alex- 
andria, Virginia, and was six years old when her father, 
who was ayounger son, aiid inheiited none of the ])atri- 
monial estate, moved to Georgia to seek his fortune in 
a new country. The mother of Mrs. Cunningham was a 
daughter of Colonel Dalton, of Alexandria, and after 
her marriage to William Bird, was known as " thePretty 
Bird of Virginia." Her youngest sister, who died young, 
had the honor of winning the heart and refusing the 
hand of the immoi'tal Wnshington, when he was sur- 
veying lands for Lord Fairfax, and only seventeen or 
eighteen years old. The second sister of Mrs. Cunning- 
ham's mother mari-ied Mr. Herbert, who was afterwards 
connected by marriage with the Washingtons and Fair- 
faxes. 

Colonel Bird, the father of Mi's. Cunningham, had a 
large family of daughters, who wei-e all remarkable for 
their beauty and accomplishments, and wei-e great belles 
in Georgia. Genei-al McComb, of the United States Army, 
very appropriately dubbed the Colonel's residence "The 
Aviai-y,'" by which it was extensively known afterwards, 
and so called. One of his daughters married Benjamin 
Yancey, perhaps- the most talented and highly gifted 
member of the South Carolina. Bar at that time. He 
died very young, leaving two sons, whom I have already 
mentioned as the wards of Mr. Cunningham. Mrs. 
Cunningham had the reputation of being the most 
beautiful of all Colonel Biid's lovely, talented and ac- 
complished daughters. She was not only beautiful her- 
self, but she had a love and taste for the beautiful. Her 
passion for flowers was unsurpassed ; she collected them 
from all parts of the world. Her flowers and shrubbery 
covered acres of giound aiound "Rose Mont," which 



Mrs. Louisa Cunningham. 55 

she watched over and cultivated with the care of a 
mother for her infant children. She had the honor of 
bein<>' the pioneer florist in the up country. Soon after 
her marriage, she settled at her husband's old family 
mansion, which was more than one hundred years old. 
She had the honor and great pleasure of rece<ving a 
collection of rare flowei-s from Llount Vernon, sent her 
by J ndge Bushrod Washington. Years afterwards, when 
I saw her pioneer garden and shrubbery, they ^vere 
surpassingly beautiful, and laid off with great taste and 
artistic skill. She was most generous, too, in the dis- 
tribution of her rare and beautiful flowers and plants 
amongst her friends and acquaintances. Her nature 
was kind and generous in the exti*eme, as well as lovely 
and spii-ited. She was also truly pious and religious, 
and all her life a devout member of the Presbyterian 
Church. She was sensitive, |)erhaps too sensitive, to the 
slightest wrong, and her frank and spii-ited nature 
])rompted her to give expression to her sentiments and 
feelings , Indeed, she was, as I have often said, a model 
lady, wife, mother and fiiend. 

To Mrs. Cunningham belongs the distinguished honor 
of having suggested, and made the first effort, towards 
the organization of the Mount Vernon Association, for 
the purpose of purchasing the home of the illustrious 
Washington, the Father of his Country, and keeping it 
as a sacred shiine for his c(juntrymen to visit, and there 
feel the inspiration of i)atriotism and public virtue. She 
heard with horror that it was likely to be sold to specu- 
lators, and urged her young and highly gifted daughter, 
Miss Pamela, to write an article on the subject for the 
newspapers. She did so, and entered into the project 
with all her mother's zeal, enthusiasm and patriotism. 
The article was foitunate in attracting public attention. 
It was signed "A Southern Matron," and everyone sup- 
posed it was written by a married lady of mature years. 
Through the influence of Miss Pamela Cunningham, the 



56 Mrs. Louisa Cunningham. 

Hon. Edward Everett was enlisted in the cause, and his 
oration on "The Life and Character of Washington,'" 
which he delivered all over the United States, brou«»ht 
to the Association sixty or seventy thonwand dollars. 
Private snbsci-iptions, procured by the untiring,- enei-gy 
and zeal of the fair "Southern Matron," from the South, 
Noi-th, East and West, made up the necessary sum to 
ma.ke the purchase. During all this time, this remarka- 
ble <ind extraordinary daughtei' was in extreme ill 
health, and her physicians told her that if she perse- 
vered in her labors, it would be fatal to her. But she 
expressed a willingness to die in so noble an undertak- 
ing. 

When the Association was organized by the ladies of 
the United States, Miss Pamela, who had accomplished 
the gi-eat woi-k suggested by her mother, was unani- 
mously elected President of the Association, and forced 
to accept the position. She removed to Mount Vernon, 
and received the applause and well-done of a grateful 
people. The Civil War came on, and with it bitter sec- 
tional prejudices and hatred. There were those in tlie 
North who, on seeing a, South Carolina lady presiding 
at Mount Vernon, felt like Haaman seeing Mordecai sit- 
ting at the King's gate, and vented their vile feelings in 
base calumny and slander. With that proud s])irit 
which belongs to her family and country, as well as her 
own nature, this ti'ue and noble-hearted young lady re- 
signed her exalted position, and returned to her native 
home in South Carolina — hei- health and her fortune 
wrecked in trie cause of her country, and her own noble 
pui-pose of carrying out the patriotic suggestion of her 
mother. But history will do her justice, and, as I said 
to her some years ago in the City of Washington, "her 
name will be associated, in all time to come, with that 
of the Father of his Country." This is glory and honor 
enough to have won foi- any fair maiden lady of the 
South. 



Mrs. Louisa Cunningham, 57 

Tvittle did Mrs. Cunrr'n^ham think, when she made her 
suu'oestion to her invalid daug'hter, that she wasimpos- 
inji' on her a task so Herculean, a labor of twenty years, 
which would bring her to death's door, and leave her 
almost penniless, with the vile slander of a base Yankee 
neighbor castinji', for a time, a cloud over her pure and 
spotless life, her public-spirited and patriotic services, 
and her sensitive womanly nature. Tlie mother antici- 
pated nothin<i- of this, but tliou<2,ht only of the national 
leproach— the grave of Washington falling into the 
hands of speculators and showmen! She felt, too, for 
her own family. Their blood, mixed with that of the 
Washingtons, lay in that sacred vault. 

Captain Robert Cunningham, the husband of Mrs. 
Louisa Cunninghaui, was a gentleman of education and 
literary taste. He read law with John C. Calhoun, and 
was one of his favorite pupils. But, being a gentleman 
of very large fortune, he abandoned his profession, and 
devoted himself to planting. Once or twice he served 
the people of Lauiens in the Legislature. It is well 
known that his family were all Loyalists in the Revolu- 
tionary War; but, as he once said to Colonel W.C. Pres- 
ton : "History does not accuse them." They were 
officers under the British Government at the breaking 
out of the Revolution, and adhered to their allegiance. 
The father of Captain Cunningham was Deputy Surveyor 
General of the Province under Sir Egerton Leigh. His 
uncle, Robert Cunningham, was a Brigadier-General in 
the British service. John Cunningham, another brother, 
held some appointment under the Royal Government. 
In speaking of the Cunninghams of the Revolution, I 
remember to have heard the Hon. Samuel Earle, who 
was a gallant Whig officer in the war, and knew every 
landholder above Columbia, say that there were not 
three more worthy and respectable gentlemen in the 
Upper Country than the three Cunninghams I have 
mentioned. 



58 Mrs. Louisa Cunningham. 

But, suppose the leaders of the Revolution in South 
CMrolina could have foreseen the piesent condition of 
their desrendants, livin^- under the government of their 
former slaves, led on bv i-oguish carpet-baggers and 
scalawags, would they have rebelled ? Sooner would the 
GadsdenK, Pinckneys, Elliots, Hugers, Marions, Sum- 
ters and PicUenses have fallen on their suoi-ds like old 
Romans, than have brought such ignominy on their 
.country and descendants. 

The death of Mrs. (Cunningham was sad iu oue re- 
spect. She had just returned to her desolate home, 
where, in former days, there was so much joy and hap- 
piness, troops of fiiends, and all thecomfortsthatluxury 
could desire. It was deserted, and scarcely a living soul 
to be seen! No doubt the contrast weighed heavily on 
her heart, and may have hastened her death. The loss 
of fortune, the absenceof herchildren and grandchildren 
with the remembrance of her yjublic wrongs, were too 
much for her refined nature and feeling heart. Death 
came suddenly to rescue her from all her troubles, and 
carry her pure, bright spiiit to a world of bliss and 
heavenly glory. Her daughter was summoned home 
too late to see her mother die, and now remains there 
in the saddest affliction, which was once her happy 
home. 

I have said that Mi-s. Cunningham was my warm and 
steadfast fiiend thi-ough life. I now recall, with a mel- 
ancholy pleasure, the ma-ny pleasant hours and days I 
have spent in her charming society, with her noble hus- 
band and fair daughter, at their hospitable mansion, 
amidst the flowers, books and luxuries of " Rose Mont." 
And I am happy in having this opportunity of paying 
an humble, though grateful, tribute of respect to her 
niemorv. 







WILLIAM HENRY Di-SAUSSURE. 

HANCELLOR DESAUSSUREwas a most venerable 
' and learned judo;e, and oreatly esteemed by all 
who knew him. He was an officer in the American Revo- 
lution, and afterwards appointed by Washington Super- 
intendent of the Mint, when first established in Phila- 
delphia. His father was a man of position and dis- 
tinction in the Revolutionary Wa,r, and was captured 
by the Biitish, and sent to St. Au<iustine, with many 
others, who were the princii)al citizens of Chai-leston. 
Chancellor DeSaussure was as remarkable for his man- 
ners and politeness in society as he was for his learning 
and ability on the bench. He was justly termed "The 
Chesterfield of South Carolina." I came to the bar not 
long- before he had resigned his seat on the bench, in 
consequence of old age and feebleness, and yet I saw a 
good deal of him, and have recorded in my journal 
several very interesting conversations with him, to which 
I will refer. 

''August 14th, 1837. — Judge DeSaussure was here 
some weeks since. He is very infirm, and must in ashort 
time be gathered to his fathers. He has been an able 
and distinguished Chancellor and faithful public servant. 
He is a gentleman of remarkable manners, always 
courteous and polite, kind and obliging, gallant to the 
ladies, even in old age. Judge O'Neal and Judge David 
Johnson have also been here — the two judges who weath- 
ered the storm of nullification so nobly, and whose 
court was swept away by its blighting influence. In 
their persons the Judiciarv of South Carolina received a 
blow which will affect its independence. Jefferson said that 
the independence of the judges over popular opinion was 
at war with the fundamental principles of our republi- 



60 William Henry DeSaussure. 

can institutions. In theory he was right. Judg:es 
sliould be elected for a tei'ni of years, to be consistent 
with republican ])iinci)>les. Rut what sort of judiciary 
niiiiht we not have? The independence of the judiciary 
alone can lestraiti pofjular violence, usurpation and 
misrule. This alone can preserve our institutions : and 
yet it is at war with them! Goveinor McDuftie was 
heie yesteiday. He has all tlie a])pearance of old age 
and decrepitude. In s])eaking of Fisk, the anti-bank 
agitator in Charleston, he lemaiked there was a great 
deal of sound ])liiloso])hy in the 'loco-foco' piinciples, 
but it was hard to reduce them to practice. He did 
not think a national bank would be again chartered." 

'^ September 4th, 1887. — Last night I had a vei-y in- 
teresting conversation with Chancellor DeSaussure rela- 
tive to our Revolution, and it was owing to the educa- 
tion of hei- sons. The rinckneys, Rutledges, Pringles, 
Hey wards. Midfllctons. and others, were well educated, 
and most of them educated in England. They returned 
home and gave tone and character to the public senti- 
ment of the State. In the TI])per Country there wei-e 
very woithy and excellent men at the head of affairs — 
such men as General J'ickens, (leneial Rutler, General 
Anderson, and others, who. though not educated, were 
wise, patriotic men. Tliese men gave South Cai'olina, a 
high chai-acter. which succeeding sons have endeavoi-ed 
to sustain and keep up. He mentioned a singular anec- 
dote in refcience to Goveiiior Rutledge's pioclamation. 
which was told him by Senator John C. Calhoun, who 
was in the Governor's camp at the time. His Excellency 
was desirous of lallying the State, and wished to issue 
a proclamation for that purpose. Rut there was no 
type outside of Charleston, and CharU'ston was in the 
possession of the Riitish. In the Goveinor's very small 
army there was an ingenious gunsmith, whose name 
was McEIroy. He told McElroy he wanted him to make 
some type to print his proclamation. McElroy replied 



William Henry DeSaussure. G1 

that he had never ween any type in his life. But Governor 
Rntledge described the type, and gave him some instruc- 
tions. Therefore the gunsmith got a number of pewter 
plates, basins and spoons and went to work. He suc- 
ceeded in making the type, and the proclamation was 
printed and disseminated over the State. The State 
did rally, and, perhaps, these pewter type saved South 
Carolina." 

'' Sppt ember 27th, J557.— Chancellor DeSaussure told 
me 3'esterday that previous to the Amei-ican Revolu- 
tion, all the offices in South Carolina were bestowed by 
the Crown on favorites in England, instead of being 
given to meritorious, distinguished Carolinians. Chief 
Justice Skinner was a copying clerk in Counsellor Dagg's 
office in London. He came into the Couuvsellor's office 
one day, and told him to congratulate him ; that His 
Majesty had just appointed him Chief Justice of South 
Carolina. 'Well, Skinner.' said the Counsellor, 'I con- 
gratulate you, but not the country over which you are 
to preside.' Skinner then begged Dagg to tell him 
what books to read in order to prepare himself for dis- 
charging his official duties. Dagg replied: 'Don't en- 
tangle yourself with law ! It is too late in life for you 
to commence studying law ! Decide every case accord- 
ing to your notions of justice !' This anecdote was told 
the father of Colonel Drayton by Dagghimseif. Skinner 
was the laughing-stock of the bar in Charleston. The 
only instance of native Carolinians being appointed 
Chief Justices were those of the gi-andfather of General 
Pinckney and William Henry Drayton. Chancellor De- 
Saussure drew the act dividing the State into cii'cyits. 
Till 1769, no court was ever held out of Charleston in 
South Carolina. There was some difficulty in regard to 
the sheriff's office on extending the courts. The Duke of 
Cumberland w^as Grand Provost of the Colony, and ex- 
ercised the office by deputy. The office was hereditary. 
The Duke was paid five thousand pounds to relinquish 



62 William Henry DeSaussure. 

the office! Chancellor DeSaussure spoke of Burke and 
Pendleton as judgesin South Carolina. The fornierwas 
an Irishman, residing in one of the West India Islands 
at the coniniencenient of the American Revolution. He 
came to South Carolina for the sole purpose of fighting 
her battles, and was a most gallant officer. After the 
Revolution commenced, he was rewarded with a judge- 
ship. Judge Burke was a man of talents and gi'eat 
humor, but not much learning. Pendleton was a Vir- 
ginian by birth, and brother of the Chancellor of Vir- 
ginia. 'He was not a good judge,' said Chancellor De- 
Saussure. Lawyers in those days, learned in their pro- 
fession, were scarce. The Pinckneysand Rutledgcsga ve 
themselves up to politics and military life. There were 
not many eminent lawyers in Charleston in those days 
who devoted themselves exclusively to their profession. 
''Chancellor DeSaussure told me that Colonel William 
Drayton's father was a judge in Florida under the 
British Government during the American Revolution, 
and returned to South Carolina after Florida was 
ceded back to Spain. He was a man of high character, 
and much esteemed b3^ the leading men of the State, al- 
though he did not return to his native State when the 
Revolution broke out. Judge Bay and Robert J. Turn- 
bull were also citizens of Florida during the American 
War, and came to South Carolina after the war was 
pretty well over." 



m 



t-^^. 



GEORGE W. DARGAN. 

CHANCELLOR DARGAN was born in the eastern 
part of the State; graduated in the Sontli Caro- 
lina College, and for many years repi-esented his native 
District in the State Senate. He was a most devoted 
States' Rights man, nullifiei-, secessionist and dis- 
unionist. His boast for many years was, that he had 
never been beyond the limits of South Caroliim, and 
hoped never to be under the necessity of going out of 
the State. In the latter part of his life I inquired of him 
if he had adhered to his purpose of never- going beyond 
the limits of the State? He said he had once been out 
of the State, but he kept it a. secret as well as he could, 
and said nothing about it! He regarded South Caro- 
lina as his country, his whole country, and all beyond 
her limits as aliens and foreigners! He was devoted to 
the State, and to the State alone, her honor and her 
glory. He once said to me: "You old fogies may be 
Union men, and glorify the Union, because you have 
been educated and brought up in that school, but the 
rising generation will scorn that Union and sever it into 
fragments. Mark what I tell yon." 

When I was admitted to the bar, I saw for the first 
time Chancellor Dargan. He was then a young lawyer 
ui promise and talents ; rapidly rising in his profession, 
and his friends had great expectations of his future suc- 
cess and eminence. But I had no particular acquain- 
tance or intimacy with him till we met as Senators in 
the State Legislature. In that body we served together 
several years — always opposed to each other, and became 
warm friends. When he was elected Chancell5r and 
resigned his seat in the Senate, he came to where I was 
sitting to bid me farewell, and said: "I was thinking 
last night, that it was something remarkable that we 



64 Georgi: W. Dabgax. 

had been so long associated together in thi<s body, 
entertaining a high respect for each other, and both 
conscientious men as we thought ourselves, and yet we 
had never voted together on any great or important 
question which divided the Senate." I said to him play- 
fully: There is an old adage, that "great minds will 
thinkalike."* but there are exceptions to this rule. 

Chanct'llor Dargan was as pure a man as ever lived. 
He was as simple as a child in his manners and deport- 
ment. He was unpretending and unambitious. In his 
personal appearan«:-e he was very plain and extremely 
homely — ^though I think he was a handsomer man than 
Chief Justice Taney. In fact he was not unlike Chief 
Justict? Taney in his face and person. And I might say 
there was a similarity in their talents, acquirements and 
minds. Chancellor Dareran was a profound lawyer and 
a well-read gentleman in every branch of learning. He 
was tall and slender, with a long face, sallow com- 
plexion, thick lips and dull, sleepy eyes. In conversation 
he was pleasant and entertaining. 

The Chancellor became a firm believer in spirit rap- 
pings, mesmerism, pyscholc^y, clairvoyance, etc., etc.. 
and was a very eflBcient and powerful ag»^nt in these 
oc-cnlt sciences. I have seen him put a servant at the 
hotel in Columbia to sleep with a waiter of dishes in his 
hands by simply looking at him. He told me he had at 
home a very simple negro boy who was a great medium. 
He called him up one day and put him into a mesmeric 
state. The Chancellor pictured in his own mind the as- 
sassination of Marat by Charlotte Corda\ whilst he was 
in his bath. He aske<I the negro boy what he saw? The 
boy replied, he saw a man lying in the water stabbed, 
and a beautiful woman standing over him. He said her 
name was Charlotte Corday. This boy had never 
before, the Chancellor was well assured, heard of Marat 
or Charlotte Corday. On another occasion he called up 
the spirit of an old negro fellow who had been found 



George W. Darcjax. 65 

(lead in a ditch. It was uncertain whether he had met 
liis death by accident or violence. The Chancellor in- 
quired if he was murdered, and his spirit replied, through 
the boy above mentioned, that he was. The Chancellor 
inquired who murdered him? His spirit replied that it 
was all over now; he was happy, and did not wish to 
tell the name of the person who killed him ! He pictured 
in his mind a faithful old negro woman who had died 
not long previously, and asked the medium if he sa w 
any one? The boy instantly replied, he saw this old 
woman, calling her by name! The Chancellor imagined 
her most fantasticall}^ dressed, and inquired of the boy 
what sort of dress she had on? He answered: "a most 
beautiful dress, covered all over with shining stars!' 
It would be almost endless if I were to mention the 
many stories of this kind told by the Chancellor. No 
one who knew Chancellor Dargan would for a moment 
suppose he was capable of telling a falsehood. I never 
knew a more truthful or honorable gentleman. 

In speaking of the necessity of employing a, lawyer to 
draw up all legal papers, wills, deeds, &c., the Chancel- 
lor told me the following incident, which happened in 
his practice at the bar : There was an old planter pos- 
sessed of a large fortune, who came to him to draw his 
will, and asked him how much he w^ould charge him. 
The Chancellor told him fifty dollars. The planter said 
it w^as exorbitant, and he knew a man who would draw- 
it for five dollars. The Chancellor said very well, he had 
better get his man to draw^ it, if his sole purpose was 
cheapness. The will was accordingly drawn for five 
dollars. The old man died, and his executors had to 
file a bill in the Court of Equity to construe the will. 
Chancellor Dargan was employed in the case, and his 
fees amounted to fifteen hundred dollars before the suit 
ended! This was independent of the costs of the suit 
and the counsel fees of the opposing lawyers. 

It was formerlv the habit of oui- Chancellors to hear 



66 Geokge W. Dakgan. 

a case, take notes of the evidence and argument, bundle 
up the pajiers and carry them off to write out their de- 
crees at home when they had perhaps forootten all 
about the case. Chancellor Daraan introduced a new- 
practice in this respect. He delivered his decrees imme- 
diately after the argument closed, or the next morning 
at farthest. He seldom took off a (;ase. His opinion 
was, that he understood the case better, after it was 
closed on the circuit, than he could do two or three 
months afterwards. His decrees were delivered orally, 
and he required the successful counsel to reduce its sub- 
stance to writing. 

I have mentioned that Chancellor Dargan and m3'self 
never thought alike in the Senate on political ques- 
tions. Whilst practicing before him on the bench for 
many years, I never liad a Judge to concur with me so 
generally and unifoindy on all questions of law. On 
principles of law we seldom differed, and in politics 
seldom agreed. 

When he was first a candidate for the State Senate, 
the Chancellor told me he was opposed by Mr. Gregg, a 
brother of Colonel James Gregii:, of Columbia, tie said 
his opponent was a most eccentric man, and as a speci- 
men of his eccentricity, he mentioned this fact. Mr. 
Gregg utterly repudiated the doctrine of fnith in salva- 
tion, and contended that a. man could be saved by 
works alone. He and some of his Christian neighbors 
ha(j many exciting arguments on this subject. The old 
gentleman, when planting his corn, thought he would 
give them a practical proof of the folly and absurdity' 
of their doctrine. On one side of the road leading by 
his house, he planted a field of corn and stuck up a 
board on that side of the road with the word '^ faith'" 
painted on it in very large capital letters! On the oppo- 
site side of the road, he planted another field of corn 
and stuck up a board on whic^h was painted the word 
"iroWc" in equally large letters. The field labeled 



George W. Dargan. 67 

"work "was well cultivated, plowed and hoed alwajH 
ill proper season. But the field labeled "faith," he 
neither plowed or hoed, or did any manner of work in 
it. In the summer it presented a most miserable and 
ludicrous appearance, and no crop, of course, was saved 
from it. But the otljer field looked remarkably well ; 
the corn grew finely, and in the fall of the year yielded 
an abundant crop. The old gentleman, looking at the 
appearance of the two fields, exultingly said: "If thin 
does not convince the fools, nothing will.'' 



M 






M 



3° 8 



Xil^-' 



THOMAS N. DAWKINS. 

UDGP] DAWKINS died a few years since, suddenly,, 
in the prime of his life, and amidst his usefulness 
and well-mei'ited popularity. His death was a j^reat 
shock to his friends all over the State. All who knew 
him well, loved a.nd admired him for his high character, 
social virtues, talents and amiability. He had the con- 
fidence of all, and the enmity of no one. In times of 
hig'hest political excitement, he was elected to office, 
and had honors conferred on him by his political op- 
ponents. They appreciated his talents, had confidence 
in his integrity and admired his gentle, unassuming de- 
portment. He maintained his own principles firmly, 
and permitted others to do the same without censure or 
denunciation from him. Hence, he had no political or 
persoiml enemies. He was recognized by all to whom 
he was known as a pure and noble-hearted gentleman. 
In his own — his native District — he was especially en- 
deared to the people by a life-time's intercourse with 
them, socially and professionally- He was, indeed, a 
most amiable gentleman — courtly in his manners, and 
cordial in his friendshij). He was dignified in appear- 
ance and depoitment, and at the same time as affable 
to the humblest citizen wht) approached him as if thej' 
were equals in raid< and station. 

Judge Dawkins was born in I'nion Distiict. General 
Dawkins, his father, was a man of fortune, great per- 
sonal popularity, and extensive infiuen(;e in his section 
of tlie State. He was a, successful i)lanter and merchant, 
Major-(ileneral, and member of the Legislature. He 
left, as an iidieritance to his son, a name without blem- 
i.sh, and those sterling (pialities of heart and head 
which characterized liim thi-ou<>h life. Judjie Dawkins 



Thomas N. Dawkins. HO 

graduated in the South Carolina College with distinc- 
tion ; read law at Union Court House, and, after his ad- 
mission to the bar, formed a. partnership with Andrew 
Wallace Thomson, Es(i. They had a very extensive 
and lucrative practice, but soon discovered that it was 
to the interest of both they should dissolve their pait- 
nershi}), and pi-actice separately. 

The storm of nullification came on shortly after Judge 
Dawkins' admission to the bar, and although the *State, 
and his own District, by an overwhelming majority, 
espoused, almost madly, this new doctrine of States' 
Rights, he never swerved from the faith that was in him 
as a Union man, or ceased to oppose, in every proper 
way, the inculcation of such political heresies. He was 
elected a member of the Legislature, while he differed 
in toto ccelo with his constituents on this subject. 

Whilst a member of the Ijcgislature, he was elected 
Solicitor of the Middle Circuit by those who were op- 
posed to him in politics. He was re-elected solicitor 
several times, and finally resigned the office, or declined 
a re-election. It was admitted by all that he made a 
most admirable prosecuting officer. He discharged the 
duties with ability, fidelity and impartiality. 

For many years he was an active member of the 
Board of Trustees of his Alma Mater. 

During the war, he espoused the cause of his native 
State, though a Union man. When South Carolina se- 
ceded, he admitted the sacred right, solemnly pro- 
claimed in our Declaration of Independence: " The right 
of self-g o vern nient.^' 

After the close of the war. Judge Dawkins was elected 
a member of the State Convention, under the proclama- 
tion of the President, for re-organizing the State Gov- 
ernment. He was an active member of that body, and 
participated largely in its discussions. 

Whilst Provisional-Governor of South Carolina, I was 
requested by President Johnson to nominate a suitable 



70 



Thomas N Paw kins. 



person for nistiici Jiidiivof lliis St.ilc I ((MhIchmI (lie 
Mppoiiit lutMit to .liuljic Dawkiiiis. lie lu'silntt'd, mul 
said IiowomM (icciilt" wIkmi ho voinvwoi] Iioiiuv Shortly 
afttM-wniMls \\o wi-ott' in»\ drcliiiiiii; (lie otfin> as it would 
n«H't>ssaril.v I'ompol liini to i(>sidi' |>tM-inaiuMit l,v in (^liarhvs- 
ton, 1 tluMi iu»M»iiiat»»d Judiio Urvan, who acct'ptt^d th«» 
iioinination and rtnrivfd t he apjutint nuMit . 

'Ph«' [v'oplcol" I'nion l>ist rirt . in IStUi.ch'ttcd him aiiain 
tt> th(^ I.(\uishit nf«\ and hr was ap|>oint«Ml cliaiiinan of 
tht' .ludii'iarv Connnit tt'c. This was a nu)st inii>oi'tMnt 
position at that iinu>. whiMi onr laws wno nndiMii-oinii' 
\ho \uos{ inipi>iian( ihanii«>s. With ii'nvit assidnitv. 
alulitv and lt>arninu. he dischaimMi the dutitvs ol' his 
position Soon al"t(M' this thiMiMviMo two Nacanrit's on 
th«> law IxMM'h. and UawUinswas <>l(Mt(Ml to till on«* of 
tluMU. 1 i'od«> tlu> riicnil with him whilst on th(> bcrch. 
and was\t>iv mnrh pltsisrd with him as a jndmv llr 
was projnpt in dispatihinii' and docidinii all matttMs lu^- 
fort> him. and al tln> sanif limo he was pleasant and 
ot)urt(H>us. Had he remained on tin* beneh an v length 
of time, he would have arijuirt^d a rt>pntation as a jndiie 

Hut Congress re(]nired South Carolina [o l>e reeon- 
st met ml o\er aiiain. and a new Const it ut ion w as ado} > ted 
itv the earpet-l>a>i;uiM-s, neiii-ors and sealawairs. whieh 
vacated all otfiees in tht> State. .ludm> PavvUins had to 
liive place to thos»> wlu> had succee«h>d in uainini: t In^ 
et>nlidence of the Radical paitv. lie rt»turneil to the 
Bar ami rt^sumed his practice a short tinn> lt«>foie his 
ih>ath. 

NNhilsi .Indiit" Pawkins was o\\ the \\'t>stern I'ircuit. I 
insisted that heslumld stav wit h me whilst holdiniicoui t 
at (iiiHMiville. I had spent a we«>k at his luMise whilst I 
was at teiuliuiT Inii^n Court tln^ sumnuM* preiMMliuii'. He 
said, "'.Vo.'" most »'mphat icallv. and assi«ined as a I'ea- 
son. (hat a indue should not onlv Ih» honest and in»- 
partial. l>ut that lu> should n»>vei- subject himself to a 
pi>sition in which a base nund miiiht sns[>ect his fairnt\ss 



Thomah N. Dawkinh. 71 

mid iriipnrtiMlity. lie said il' m jimI^j' ujih stjiyiii^- with 
n pinct iciii^- Inwvcr, niid decided noise in liis favor, flie 
<)|)|i()Hile Jiarly — iiiileHH piireand honcirahlet lieiiiHclveH— 
would think he liad iieen inllnenced in iiin (U'cinion \ty 
HonieUiin^ said in private. '^I'he Kanie Hentiinent had 
been expreHHcd hy.Iiid^-e Da vid .loliriHon, and acted on 
through life. 

.Iiidjj;(? DnvvkiriH waHtwic«! niairi«!d, hut, left, nochiidren 
by either niarria^o. 1 1 in firHt vvif(! wnK the IxOleof (ireen. 
ville for Kevernl yearH, nnd <iTeatl,y adiriired l)y «II who 
knew her for her heanty, niniahihry and f)IeaHarit inan- 
nerH. HIh wiconcl vvif<; waH a yonnj;- lOn^linh hidy, hand- 
Houie, int(fUeetiiJil, MC(;ornf)liHhed and lejiiiied ; (cordial in 
her niatinerH, and devoted in her friendHhi[). Jndj;-.' 
DavvkiiiH in(;t ine once? at SpaitaiibiiiT;-, and Haid Mrn. 
DavvkiriH had innhMHtood tiiat I waH to be at Union 
Uoiirt, and itiHiHted that I Hhoidd ntay with them, a.nd 
(•onsi(h'r niyHcif her ^iicHt. I did ko, and was charmed 
with Iiei'H and the .lud^<''H elej^ant hoHpitalify. The 
Jiid^e att ractf^d my attention to hiH beautiful lawn in 
front of hiH hoiiHf^ ajid the Hiirronndine- shrnbb(;ry, wit h 
taHtefnl waIkH, etc. lie Haid it wan originally an old 
flelfl, and onenprin^-, whilst he wan on th(! circuit, MrK. 
DaAvkiriH had it. laid out/ and planted in his abnence. 

Jud^o DawkiuH, with Jud^(? Wardlaw and Mr. Alfntd 
Wufj^or, were apf)ointed by the (/onv<!ntion in ^H(^^, to 
vinit l*r(*Ki(ient Johnson and ank for the r-eleane of 
Jefferson I)a,viH. They went to WaHhinji:toti and had a 
perHonal interview with th(M'reHi<l<;nt. In liin yoiin^^er 
dayH, Jud^e Davvkinn was }ij)pointed aide to one; of oiii- 
(irovernorH, with the; rank of ('olonel— a title by which he 
wa8 UHually known till hin (jlection to tlm bench. 

Jud^«! DavvkiriH wan a, fine looking ue?itleman, and 
bore the ntamp of one of nature's noblem(;n. 

And then; were very few of my friendK,ff)r whom I had 
HO Htron*^ an attachment whilnt livin<i,\ whone (Jeath I ho 
deej)ly mourned, and for whoHe rruMnory I have such an 
affectionate rev(;rance. 



-m 






E2 



m 






^1 






BF** 



WILLIAM K. EASLEY. 

fr^\HE siuldon aiu] most unexpected death of General 
Easley, a few days since, was a oreat shock to the 
community of Greenville, in whose midst he had liv^ed 
mai)y yeai's, and by whom he was <!:reatly respected and 
admired for his many hiiih and noble traits of charac- 
tei'. He was a <;entleman of feeble constitution by 
nature, and for sometime had been in delicate health. 
But when he left home for Atlanta, Georgia, where he 
died, his family and fiiends i'e<j;arded him in ordinary 
health. He went to Atlanta on business connected with 
the Air Line Railroad, an enterprise in whi';h he had 
taken a deep interest, and one which he was mainly in- 
strumental in carrying- throuoh to a successful result. 
For the last two or three years he had devoted all the 
energies of his nature to the accomplishment of this 
o-reat work. It was through his influence, in a oreat 
mea.snre, that this road was located to pass through 
the city of Greenville. He prevailed on the County of 
Gi-eenville and the city authorities to make appropria- 
tions which secured the location of the road. 

Tlu» first news of General Easley 's illness, three or four 
days after leaving home, was a telegram stating that 
he was not expected to live! In the course of a few hours 
another telegram announced his death, and that his re- 
mains would be sent by the 8 o'clock train that evening. 
The community was startled by this appalling news. 
His fiiends immediately ai)])ointed a committee to go 
down on the morning train and meet his remains in 
Columbia. They leached (Jreenville, on their return, by 
an express train the next morning before daylight. His 
lemains were carried to his i-esidence, and the next day, 
at i) o'clock in the morning, escoited by the Masons to 
till' Baptist church, where the funeral services were per- 



William K. Easley, 73 

foi-nied by the Rev. Ur. Buist, of the Presbyterian 
Church, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Furnian, pastor of the 
Baptist ehiiT-eh. Dr. Buist spoke of the talents, ability 
and virtues of the deceased, but said he came not to 
praise the dead ; that mournful duty he left for the Bar 
to perfoi-m, of which the deceased was so bright and 
shining a light ; for the Masons to perform, and for the 
community and the press of the country. The funeral 
services were then completed by the Masonic Fraternity, 
at the country residence of the deceased, where he was 
interred by the side of his wife's grave. 

The sadness of General Easley's death was made 
more sad by the reflection that only a few short months 
since, his beloved wife and the companion of his sor- 
rows and joys for twenty years past, and the model of a 
domestic lady, was taken from him by death, leaving 
eight motherless young children to his care and protec- 
tion. They are now bereft of father as well as mother! 
This is a most terrible affliction, and well calculated to 
increase the sorrow of his friends and the community. 
There were few persons living in this community who 
had so many warm and devoted friends as General Eas- 
ley. He seemed to have some ujesmeric influence over 
those who came in social contact with him. They all 
admii'ed him, and loved him for his purity of character, 
his sincerity in friendship, and the warmth and generous 
feelings of his heart. 

General Easley wa's born in Pickens County, not far 
from Greenville Court House. His father, Colonel John 
Easley, was one of the early settlers of Pickens, and 
came to this part of the State quite a youth, with his 
father. The General was well educated and a fine classi- 
cal scholar, though not a graduate of any college. In 
his boyhood he manifested a great love of polite litera- 
ture. He read poetry and novels with absorbing, pas- 
sionate interest. But his reading was by no means 
confined to this class of literature. He was a laborious 



74 William K. Easley. 

student of history and science, as well as poetry and gene- 
ral literature. Nordid heneolectthehard and dry studies 
of his profession, as may be well supposed from his suc- 
cess at the Bar. He would set up the ^reate'^' ])art of 
the night in reading and studying, and no doubt in 
early life injured his constitution in this way. This 
habit was so firmly riveted on him that he could not 
thi'ow it off in more mature years. He was a great 
student throughout his life, and yet he spent a large 
portion of his time, during the day, when not engaged 
in his professional duties, in conversation with his 
friends and associates. He was essentially a social gen- 
tleman, and yet there was a tinge of melancholy about 
bim, which cast a gloom over his whole life. 

Shortly after his admission to the Bar, General Easley 
went to New Orleans for the purpose of practicing his 
profession, rightly believing that it was better for a 
young lawyer, who had talents and ambition, to settle 
where there is business, no matter how ci-owded the Bar 
was. But the yellow fever broke out in the city and 
forced him to leave. He returned to his father's and 
temporarily established himself at Pickens Court House. 
He remained there some time, and found the law at so 
low an ebb that he deemed it prudent to move to Green- 
ville. But during his short residence in that mountain 
village, he made warm friends of all the prominent men 
in the District, and was some years afterwards elected a 
member of the Legislature fi-om Pickens, although his 
law office was at Greenville. Whilst in the Legislature 
he originated some important measures, and amongst 
them a Bill, which I drew for him, making the parties in 
a suit or criminal prosecution competent witnesses in 
the case. We both thought it absurd that those who 
knew all about the niatter in controversy should be ex- 
cluded from giving testimony as to the facts in dispute. 
This Bill was remodelled in committee an(,l became the 
law of the land. The present Code of South Carolina 



William K. Easley. 75 

embodies the same priiifiple, and was taken from the 
New York Code. The wisdom of this alteration hasnow 
been aeknowledoed by the Bar and Courts of the State. 

(ieneral Easley was elected a member of the State 
Convention from Greenville in 1860. This Convention 
was called for the purpose of secedino- from the Union. 
The General was a fierce secessionist, and had been a 
Democrat all his life. When the civil war commenced he 
raised acomjtany of cavalry in Pickens and Gi-eenville 
Districts, and was received into the Confederate army 
in Charleston, South Carolina. But his health became 
so bad that he was forced most reluctantly to resig;n his 
command and return home. Befoi'e his resionation, 
however, he had been promoted to the rank of Major in 
the army. He was again elected a member of the Leg- 
islature from Pickens in 18G5, and took an active part 
in all the debates whilst he continued in that body. He 
was selected by me, whilst I was Provisional Governor, 
to represent the Executive, and defend his measui'es in 
the Legislature. This he did with zeal and ability on 
all occasions. The unanimity with which Governor 
Manning and myself were elected to the United States 
Senate, in 1865, was owing in some measure to his ex- 
ertions in our behalf. During the canvass it was pro- 
posed to him by the friends of oi»e of the candidates for 
the United States Senate, that twenty votes would be 
cast for me if an equal number of my fi'iends would vote 
for this other candidate, Colonel James B. Campbell. 
He promptly replied that he could not dare to make 
such a proposition to me, if he was unscrupulous 
enough himself to think of it. 

After the expiration of his term in the Legislature, 
the State went into the hands of the present corrupt 
and infamous Radical party, under their new constitu- 
tion. The General then confined himself to his profes- 
sion, and acquired a very large practice in the courts of 
Greenville, Pickens and Anderson Districts. In the ar- 
gument of his cases he always evinced great ability and 



76 Wu.i.iAM K. Rasley 

learniiig. As an advocate befoiv tho jury, hv lind no 
sii])(M-ioi' on tlio circuit. He aiway.s spoke well, and of- 
ten was ti'uly elo(]uent in his addrt^sses to theCourt and 
jury. lie Inid <>reat lluencv of lang-uage, and ^-reat 
taste and beauty of exprt^ssii^n on all occasions. Some 
of the most touchiui;' and beautiful bursts of ])assion 
and sentiment that I ever heai'd were made by (ieneral 
Ivisley. 

In his charai'liM' and political principles, he was \ip- 
ni^iit and pur(\ but often eccentric. He had no .i;reat 
faith in Republican principles, or the ])ermanency of the 
Republic. Tlu^ little faith he had in tho.se matters was 
very much w(^ik(Mied by th(> present condition of South 
Carolina. He would williniilv have exchanjied, at any 
moment, the present corru])t and d(^spotic Government 
of South Carolina for a monarchy ! He thou«>ht a King- 
would rule ovei- us more wisely, more justly and more 
i)atriotically than the i<;norance and corruption of the 
present masses could. He had tlieoi-etically very little 
confidence in, or love for the j»reat mass of mankind! 
And yet, in practical life, he was a most kind and be- 
nevolent man, and would relieve a fellow-creature, in 
distress, as quick as any one 1 (n'er saw. He was also a 
most warm and sincere friend, anil had the faculty, as I 
have already said, of attracting; friends to him in an 
eminent degree. His health was bad all his life, and 
this, T am sure, tinged his nature with that misanthro- 
pic melancholy which he often exhibited through life. 

I knew Cieneral Kasley well, and understood his char- 
acter better than most persons. For nmny years we 
were on terms oi great intimacy, and I never can forget 
the many, very many. ]>leasant hours we have spent 
together. They have endeared his memory to me. 




SAMUEL HARLE. 



T MENTION KD this <2,enM(Mnan very biicfiy in in.v 
1 " RerniniHceiioeH of Greenville, " and I now propose to 
<2,ive a more extended notice of liirn as a pnhlic man. 
He was an elderly gentleman and I was a boy when our 
acquaintance eommenced. I saw him frequently at my 
father's, and often at my uncle's, Robert Foster. Ix^tween 
whom there was a very fireat intinmcy and fiiendsliij) 
for more than half a century. I was also a. frequent vis- 
itor at his house for many years, in the latter part of 
his life. I had for him a, very hi*;-!! re«iard and J2;i-eat 
respect, and I believe he entertained the kindest feelings 
towards myself. I read law thi-ee years in the otfice of 
his son, Judge Earle, which further increased our inter- 
course and intimacv. 

I believe Mr. Samuel Eai-le was born in Virginia-. His 
parents moved to Spartanbuig District in the early set- 
tlement of the Upper Country. His education was such 
as one could receive in those tinies at the common 
schools of the country. I know that he regretted, in 
after life, his defective education, and determined to give 
his sons all those advantages which were denied him in 
his youth. In the commencement of the Revolutionary 
war, in the Southern States, Mr. Earle espoused with 
great spiiitthe cause of his (country, and received the 
commission of Captain in the regular army. He was 
appointed to command a com[)any of rangers, in the 
Upper Country, which caused him to traverse over and 
overagaintheentire country above Columbia. He told 
me that at the close of the war he was personally ac- 
quainted with every landowner between Columbia and 
the mountains. He was elected a member of the State Con- 
vention which framed the Constitution ; and he was also 



78 Samuel Earlk. 

a meiuber of the State Convention which adopted the 
Constitution of the United States. Thei-e was, at the 
time, in South Carolina, considerable opposition to the 
Federal Constitution, but Mr. Karle voted for its 
adoption. He was afterwards elected a nien)ber of Con- 
jiress, for tlie Districts of Greenville, Pendleton, Laurens, 
Abbeville and Spartanburg-, as the successor of (Jeneral 
Pickens, who, I l)elieve, was our first member of Congress 
under the Fedei-al Constitutioti. After serving- one or 
two terms, the General declined a i-e-election, and Cap- 
tain Earle, his compter in ai'in.s,. was chosBu to sunt-ead 
him. U'hilst a member of Con<»:ress, Mr. Eai'le devoted 
himself to the impiovement of his mind, and purchased 
a, wellselectel library of standard works. General Wade 
Ham})t()n, Sr., was in ('onoi-ess with Mi-. Earle, whose 
niece Mi-. Earle had married. He told me that one 
mornino-, as he entered tlie House ox lleprHsentatives, he 
met General Hampton goino- out to attend the races in 
Philadelphia. He jestinuly said to liim : " I will go your 
halves to day, General,"' and thou<iht nothing more of 
it. In the evening Genei-al Hampton handed himaiiun- 
dred dollars and said : "That is your share oi my win- 
nings to-day." Mr. Earle declined to receive the money, 
and said That he spoke in jeyt. The General replied 
it was no jest with him, and if he had lost on the races 
he should have made Mr. Earle pay one half. This 
taught Mr. Earle to consider how he bantered after- 
wards with the General. 

After serving a short time in Congress, Mr. Earle 
resigned his seat in the House of Ile[)reseiitatives. He 
was on his way to Philadelpiiia, apd was taken sick in 
Virginia. When h(> recovered, he returned home, and 
did not attend that session of Congress at all. 'i'uut 
gloomy despondency which hung o\'er his after life as a 
black cloud, had overtaken him, and he had no taste or 
h)ve for ])olitics. Whilst in Congress, he belonged to tlie 
I'^ederal i)arty, {ind formed a very unfa vorable oi)inion 



Samuel Earle. 79 

of Mr. Jefferson. I once heard him say that he thought 
Jefferson "'a lioUow hearted detna<2,o<»,ue." He looked 
upon Madison as the subservient tool of Jefferson. 

1 don't think that Mr. Earle was ever a member of 
the Legislature of South Carolina, although he sei'ved 
in both of the State Conventions, as already mentioned. 
He was once a candidate for the State Senate in (ireen- 
vilie, before he moved to Pendleton, and was beaten by 
his kinsman, Colonel Elias Earle, who afterwards repre- 
tented the U:strict in Congress for a great number of 
\ears. Colonel Elias Earle was a great and most suc- 
cessful electioneerer. He treated bountifully, which 
Mr. Samuel Earle refused to do. There was but one 
place of voting then in the whole District, and that 
was at the Court House. Colonel Elias Earle came 
riding into the village, with several iiundred of his 
voters, on hoi-seback. When Mr. Samuel Earle saw 
thisstrong array of partisans, and heard them huzzaing 
for the Colonel, he cried out, "Huzza! for the half-pint 
tickets!" 

After his removal to Pendleton he was elected Sheriff 
of that Distiict by the Legislature, and served in that 
office four years. The business was all transacted by 
his deputies, and he lived fifteen or twenty miles from 
the Court House, on his farm. Mr. Earle was a man of 
high and pure character, and I don't think his honor 
and integrity were ever questioned throughout his long 
life. By nature he was a great man, but endowed with 
a most unfortunate and hypochondriac disposition. If 
there happenned to be a dry spell in the sumnier, Mr. 
Earle would imagine that he and his family would cer- 
tainly starve the next year, and made himself perfectly 
miserable under the delusion. He was a sober man all 
his life, and seldom tasted spirits. Not, however, he 
would say, because he did not like the taste of spirits. 
He had an apprehension I suppose, that with his tem- 
perament it would be dangerous for him to drink at all. 



80 Samuel Earle. 

He hud too much good sense and philosojihy to think 
of drowning lijs sorrows or imagined distresses in li(|uor, 
which fools and weak minded men are apt to do. Mr. 
Earle was a pious member of the Baptist Church for 
many yea is, in the latter i)art of his life, and died a com- 
municant in that Church. I have heard it said that 
when he joined the Church, his "experience," as it i» 
termed by the Baptists, was a most impressive one. In 
his younger days, Mr. Earle was no doubt a, tine looking 
and handsome man. All of his children were exceedingly 
tine looking and handsome — severi sons and five 
dauii'hters. He was tall and well proportioned, but in 
the latter part of his life, had an unfortunate habit of 
blinking one eye. He was very negligent in his dress, 
though a man of very large ft)rtune. He was appointed 
one of the commissioners, on the part of South Carolina, 
to settle the boundary line between tliis State and 
(jeorgia. When the commissioners met, one from 
Georgia said afterwards, that Mr. Earle surj)rised iiim 
twice— first, by his humble, rusticdi-ess, and appearance; 
and secondly, by the good sense and wisdom which he 
displayed in all of their discussions. He showed himself a 
man of talents, ability and information, which his ap- 
pearaiK^e did not indicate to the polished (Jeorgian, who 
could not well separate mind and character from dress 
and appearance. 

In conveisation, Mr. Earle was very pleasant and 
agreeable, except when his melancholy tits were on him. 

No one in the Uppei" Country knew so well iis he did 
the Uevolutionai-y history of the State, and the early 
settlement of the back country, as it v.as termed. I am 
indebted to him for a gi-eat deal of information on 
those subjects. He knew all the prominent men of those 
times, and did not hesitate to sketch their characters 
as they appeared to him. He always spoke in high 
terms of (Jcnerals Pickens and Marion, but did not 
entertain so favorable an opinion of (ieneral Sumter. 



Samuel Eaule. 81 

He Hpoke well of General Robert (^uimin^haiii, to 
whom he and General Pickenn surrendered themselves 
after theeapture of Charleston by the British. He said, 
thouoh Tories, Cunningham and his two brothers, John 
and Patrick, were gentlemen of honor and inteority. 
They had unfortunately taken the wrong side, as 
uiany honest and intelligent men did. There are not a 
few in South Carolina at this day, seeing how our 
Republican experiment has turned out, who do not 
think they took the right side, and that the Ameri- 
can Revolution was a great blunder. They insist that 
we would be better off, more happy and prosperous, 
tiigher toned and more honorable, freer and better pro- 
tected in life and ])i-operty under the English (lovern- 
ment than we are under the nulitary-carpet-bag-scala- 
wag negro rule of the present regime. If this condition 
of things is to be pei-manent, no honest man above the 
grade of an idiot, would hesitate to pronounce the 
American Revolution a most horrible blunder, a 
most damiiable blunder! and instead of celebrating 
the 4th of July as the birthday of Re])ublican liberty, 
would proclaim it as the grave of the South ! But this 
caniiot last always, and we should still adhei'e to the 
notion that our forefathers were wise, honorable and 
patriotic Rebels. 

In the latter part of his life, Mr. Earle lived almost 
secluded from society, and seldom left his home, except 
to look after his farms in Greenville. He was kind and 
charitable, though a great economist, and devoted to 
making money. He had a great scoin and contempt 
for all the pi'etensi(jns of fashion, and fashionable 
society. He lived well, though plainly, and was very 
hospitable at his house. His wife was a most excellent 
la.dy, the daughter of James Harrison, Esq., of Green- 
ville, whonmiried the sister of General Wade Hampton, 
of Revolutionary fame. His seven sons, who all grew 
up to manhood, are dead, and only one of them ever 
married. 



82 Samuel Earle. 

Mr. Earle told me that be served, as Deputy Provost 
Marshal, the first writ ever made returnable to 
Old Cambridge, at Ninety-Six. Whilst the sitting of the 
Courts for South Carolina was limited to Charleston, 
the Provost Marshal of the State, a gentleman living in 
p]ngland, and who had never been in South Carolina, 
exercised, through his deputies, all the powers of sheriff. 

When the sitting of the courts was extended to Cam- 
den, Columbia and Cambridge, the Provost Marshal 
sold his office to the Government, and then sheriffs were 
elected in the different judicial districts. Before this sale 
was completed, Mr. Earle was the Deputy Provost 
Marshal for the western part of the State, and served 
the first writ ever issued to Cambridge Court, as 
already stated. 



-mm- 



^ 



^2 ' ' ' 



m^ 



m 



EDWARD EVERETT. 

I; FIRST saw Mr. Edward Everett at his own house, 
J whilst President of Harvard Colleg:e. Mr. Poinsett 
had ^iven me a letter of introduction to him. He was 
then in feeble health. He was mild and soft in his 
manners, showinjj- a refined and most polished gentle- 
man, full of varied information and extremely interest- 
ini»" in conversation. His person seemed fragile. 

He spoke of the cultivation of the grape in the United 
States, and said it nevei- could be successful. He thought 
this was proved by the history of China. Although the 
Chinese were a very industrious, pains-taking and in- 
genious people, greatly devoted to agriculture through 
necessity, they had never been able to su(;ceed to any 
extent in making wine. He said their climate was that 
of ours, and their country similarly situated. If the 
Chinese could not succeed in the culture of the grape, 
he did not think the Ameiicans ever could. He said 
that tlie flavor of the gi-ape in Euro])e was very differ- 
ent from that of the same s])ecies in the United States. 

In speaking of the rich lands near the lakes, through 
which I had just ]»assed, on my trip to Nia,gara Falls, 
he told me that his father-in-law once owned all of those 
lands, had pui-chased them in the early history of New 
York, for a few cents an acre, and disposed of them for 
a very inconsiderable sum, thinking they were too 
remote ever to be saleable. These lands were then 
worth fifty and one hundred dollars per acre. Such has 
been the progress of society, and the development of 
the country, brought about by canals and lailioads. 

Mr. Ev^erett was once a Unitarian preacher, and 1 
noticed lying open on his centi-e-table, a large and mag- 
nificently bound Bible. For many years he was a mem- 
bei- of Conuress, Governor of the State of Massachusetts, 



84 Edward Everett. 

Minister to Eiioland, United States Senator, and Presi- 
dent of Harvard Colleo-e. Since this visit to him in 
184f), he was the Whi^' candidate for Vice-President. 

In one of his speeches in the House of Representatives, 
many years ao:o, and befoie abohtion was so popnlai- 
at the North, Mr. Everett declared that he would 
shoulder his musket and march to the South to assist 
in suppressing" any insurrection of our slaves. Mr. 
Richard Yeadon, of Charleston, told me that he once 
referred to this speech in the presence of Mi'. Everett, 
and he had, or affected to have, foro-otten it. 

When the ladies of the United States, under the lead 
of my friend. Miss Pamela Cunnini>,ham, of South C;i.ro- 
lina undertook to purchase Mount Vernon, Mr. Everett 
delivered, throu<>hout the Republic, in aid of the Associ- 
ation, his famous oration on the life and character of 
Washington. Erom this noble effort of Mr. Everett's, 
the ladies realized fifty or sixty thousand dollars. The 
enterprise was mainly successful owin<2,' to Mr. Everett's 
exertions. Everywhere he stirred up the people to sub- 
scribe to the Association. I had the pleasure of visitinji,- 
very recently this hallowed residence of the fathei' of his 
country, and found the regent. Miss Cunningham, in 
possession of the premises and noble old mansion. Her 
triumph has been a great one, and heartily does she 
enjoy it. 

Mr. Everett was through life more a literary man than 
a politician. He wrote a great deal, and no one wrote 
the English language with more purity and taste. Many 
of his essays and orations are modelsof fine writing and 
eloquence. He has been justly styled the Cicero of Amer- 
ica.. His style was always that of the great Roman 
orator. 

In the latter part of his life, he procured from Mr. 
Dowse, for the Historical Society of Boston, the most 
magnifieent collection of books in any private library 
in America. Mr. Dowse was a tanner by trade, started 



Edward Everett. 85 

in the world poor and lame, made money and purchased 
books, always the most costly editions, till, in his old 
age, he had.collected the finest and most costly private 
library in America. This library Mr. Everett induced 
him to give, in his life-time, to the Historical Society of 
Boston. 










a^B 



go 



ol3 






^• 



iv/inofr 



SIMEON FAIR. 



tOL. SIMEON FAIR ivpmsented the District of 
NevvheiTj in the Lejiislature for several years, and 
took a high position ainon«>st the eminent men of that 
body, in tiie better days of tiie Ilepublie. He was re- 
spected by ail of his compeers for his talents, integrity, 
lionoi- and patriotism, and they elected him Solicitor of 
tlie middle ciicuit. This important office he continued 
to fill, by successive elections, for neai-ly a quarter of a 
centui-y. He was once or twice put in nomination for 
the ofiice of Judoe, and (;ame witiiin a. few votes of being- 
elected. As Solictor, he was a, model otficer. Always 
prepared in his cases, he argued them with ability and 
leai-ning. The guilty seldom escaped, and the innocent 
had nothing to fear from the prosecuting officer on the 
part of the State. In the administration of his office, 
he was firm and impartial, and gave universal satisfac- 
tion. He had an extensive practice as a lawyer on the 
civil side of the court in his circuit, which was coniposed 
of the Districts of Newberry, Richland, Lexington, Sum- 
ter and Kershaw. 

Colonel Fair was born in Newberry District. His 
father was a ]jrosperous farmer and planter, and gave 
his son a good classical education. Dr. Fair, one of the 
old gentleman's sons, graduated at the Medical College 
of Paris, established himself in Columbia and became 
one uf themosteminentphysiciansof theSta.te. Simeon 
established himself at Newbei-ry C. H., as a lawyer, and 
there had to contend at the Rar with Chief Justice 
()'Neall,ChancellorsJobJohnston and Caldwell and John 
Caldwell, who wei-e all practicing lawyers and resided at 
Newben-y when Simeon Fair entered his profession. 
That he was able to achieve success, where there was so 



Simeon Fatk. 87 

muf'h taJt-Tit and learning to contend vvitb, is high 
evidence of his merit, industry and integrity. 

Koraliriost a half century, Col. Fair and myself Were 
persortal and political friends, and there alvvays up to 
his death, existed a areat intimacy between us. He \vat4 
one of my groomsmen when I was married, and I had 
for him through life a cordial friendship. I knew well 
his high moral qualities and greatly esteemed and ad- 
miied him as a friend. In 1831, when the NuUificatioil 
controversy sprung up in South Carolina, Col. Fair and 
tnyself took sides against this political heresy, and were 
ever afterwards identified in politics. The Union party 
was in a very lean minority in Newberry District, and 
hence Col. Fair did not go into the Legislature as soon 
as he otherwise would have done. But the Florida war 
came on, and he volunteered his services in that cam- 
paign and against the Indians. I think he commanded 
a company in the regiment of Gov. Butler. As soon as 
hei-etui-ned home, his fellow-citizens of Newberry over- 
looked his political principles and elected him to the Leg- 
islature for his gallant a.nd patriotic services. This 
Seminole campaign was extraordinary in elevating all 
who served in it to public office. It elected Col. Butler 
Governor of the State, and I believe every office within 
the gift of the Legislature, down to the door-keeper, 
was filled by a Florida volunteer. 

In the summerof 1840, Col. Fair, Col. Frederick Nance 
and myself made the tour of the Northern States and 
Canada together. We spent two or three months very 
pleasantly, indeed. Neither of us had ever been North, 
and everything was new and intei'estirig. We visited 
Washington, Baltimore, Philadelf)hia, New York, the 
Falls of Niagara, Montreal, Quebec, Boston, &c. [ paid 
my respects to Gov. Kemble, in Albany, who was there 
as a member of the New York Convention, and also to 
Silas Wiijiht, then Governor of the State. In Washing- 
ton, Congress was still in session, and we had the pleas- 



88 Simeon Fair. 

lire of iiiakinjy the acquaintance o"^ most of the distin- 
o'uislied men there. In Boston I had a letter of intro- 
duction to Mr. Everett, from Joel R. Poinsett, and 
called to see him, who was very kind and civil. We 
were greatly interested in Montreal and Quebec. Every- 
thing we saw reminded us that we were in a foreign 
country. In walking the streets of Quebec, and in pass- 
ing down the St. Lawience River, we wei'e struck with 
the diminutive size of the French people. Col. Fair said 
he frequently saw the Canadians stop and gaze at us as 
we were walking the streets. The height and size of 
three such men as we were attracted their notice especi- 
ally. But in Montreal I never saw finer looking men 
than the Enulish ofhceis and soldiers stationed there. 
In Quebec there was a. Scotch Regiment of Highlanders, 
who were all over six feet in stature, and fancifully 
dressed in the Highland costume. Their appearance 
was indeed very imposing. 

Whilst in Albany, Col. Fair remarked to me, one 
morning, that we were a. long ways from home. ''Yes," 
said I, "we are a thousand miles.'' "But," says he, "I 
allude to the higher civilization of this region of country 
over Newbeiry and Greenville in agiiculture, commerce, 
niagniticent buildings, and in all the comforts and luxu- 
ries of life." I re[)lied that I had once heard Gen. 
Thompson say, whilst abusing the North, that it would 
not do, however, for one who thought meanly of the 
Northein people to travel amongst them and witness 
their great wealth and high civilization, if he wished to 
retain his opinion of the people and countiy. My im- 
pression was that all their supeiioiity consisted in their 
superior industry and homogenity of race. In the 
South we had slavery and the African race. 

Col, Fair was a most genial companion and pleasant 
in conversation. He had a hap])y faculty of gathering 
news, and retailing it to his associates, both at home 
and in travellinji'. Whenever I met him on the circuit 



Simeon Faik. 89 

or in rohimbia, I eajrerly expeeted a budget o^" newn, in- 
teresting- and racy. He was g;Teatly loved and esteemed 
V)j all his associates and acquaintances. Everyone had 
confidence in his sincerity, intej>rity and honor. He 
was a oentlenian of sterling- good sense and judgment. 
At the Bar and in the Legislature, his arguments and 
speeches were always to the point, atid conceived in 
wisdom. There was nothing- rhetorical about them, or 
for display and vain glory. His mind was solid and 
substantial, like his person. The graces he did not cul- 
tivate in speech or manneis, and thought them more 
appropriate for those of less calibre. 

A few weeks before he died, he passed through Green- 
ville on his way to the Glenn Springs. He came to my 
office and sat some time chatting with me. He was 
evidently in feeble health, and said he was going to the 
Springs to recruit u]) for the winter's work in his pro- 
fession. He said he would not abandon his profession, 
but intended to die in harness. When he left the office, 
1 renmrked to my son that I thought he was over san- 
guine in his expectations of recruiting up for the win- 
ter's professional labor, and I greatly feared he was 
then sinking into his grave. 

I made the acquaintance of Col. Fair's parents unex- 
pectedly and rather strangely, after a long and very in- 
timate acquaintance with him, and his brother. Dr. 
Fair. In returning from Columbia, one winter, I took 
the road through Lexington, to avoid the mud on the 
main road to Newberry. Night overtook me, the 
weather was excessively cold, and the road, which I 
never passed over before, was very bad. Some miles 
below Newberry Court House, T saw a farm house 
lighted up some distance from the road. I determined 
to drive up and appeal to the humanity of the owners 
for a night's lodging. An elderly gentleman came out, 
and hearing my representation, he said, with great cor- 
diality: "Surely you can stay, sir." When I went into 



9id Simeon Fair. 

the house, the old lady, hearing; me way that I had left 
Columbia that morning:, and had been there for some 
weeks,: enquired if I had seen her hon. Dr. Fair, and how 
he^ and his family Were. I said to her : "I am, indeed, 
most happy, madam, tonieet the mother of my dear 
friend and oroom.sman, Col. Sinieon Fair, your son. The 
Doctor, is quite well, and I saw him the day before I left 
Columbia." The kindness and hospitality of that night, 
I never can forget. 

Col. Fair married late in life, a young:, beautiful and 
accomplished lady, who made him a most loving- and 
affectionate wife. I saw her before hei- marriage, and 
thought her one of the most beautiful young ladies I 
had ever seen. She died several years before her noble 
husband. She left two children, a son and daughter. 
The Colonel felt deeply theloss of hisconipanion, and well 
he might mourn for one who was the solace of his life, 
and the stay and prop of his household. He died at 
Glenn Springs, in the seventy-second year of his age, es- 
teemed and regretted by all who knew him. 



EDWARD FROST. 



'["HIS most amial)le and excellent i^entlema,n was 



for many years one of the Law Judges of South 
Carolina. He did what very few judges have done in 
South Carolina;— voluntarily resigned his seat on the 
bench. I remember, some years before Judge Frost sent 
his resignation to the Legislature, Mr. Robert VV. Barn- 
well, s})ea.king of the life of, a judge, said it was surpris- 
ing that Judge P'rost, who was a gentleman of fortune, 
.and fond of his family and domestic life, should continue 
on the Bench, and spending: the greater part of his life 
at hotels, holding courts and taking down the testi- 
mony of rude and ignorant men. That a distinguished 
lawyer should aspire to the highest honors of his pro- 
fession:, is very natural and commendable; but if he has 
a fortune, it is a little remarkable that he should con- 
tinue to perform, in his old age, the laborious drudgery 
of a judge. IVfost of our judges in South Carolina, have 
been men in moderate circumstances, and fejt that they 
.could not, in justice to themselves and families, give up 
their position and its salary. 

; Judge Frost was born in the city of Charleston, and 
graduated at Yale College. Hp read law and was 
admitted to the Bar ati an early age. He had a fine 
.practice, but left to his partner, as I have heard him 
say> the entire settlemen:t of all fees, as well as the 
amounts their clients were to pay. He had no taste for 
makirig charges and (Collecting fees. Whilst a very 
young man he was elected a member of the Legislature 
from the city of Charleston, and continued in that body 
till he was elected to the Bench. The first time I ever 
saw Judge Frost he was making a speech in the House 
of R^'preseutatives, on some local question connected 



92 Edward Frost. 

with the 'nterests of his coTistituents. The opposition 
to his measure seerried to come from the upper country. 
He was very much excited, and spoke with ^reat warmth 
of manner and evident sincerity. He thought those who 
were opposing:: him did not understand the question, as 
they were from the country. He tauntin«;ly said that 
they could not see the propriety of the measure, for they 
had in all probability "never smelt salt water." This 
expression oreatly amused the House, and became a by- 
word afterwards with some of the members froni the 
upper districts. Thev would say, in addressing; the 
Speaker, that although they had "never smelt salt 
water," they knew certain facts to be true, &c. This 
quotation was made so often, that the young member 
became a little restive under it. 

I served in the Legislatui'e many years with Judge 
Frost, and never saw a more pure, upright, conscientious 
and honorable man. He told me, whilst he was on the 
Bench, and when the question of sepai-ate secession was 
first mooted in South Carolina, that he had yielded his 
conscientious convictions of propriety to the judgment 
of others, in our Nullification struggle, and that he was 
resolved he would never do so again. 

After he resigned his Judgeship, he was elected Presi- 
dent of the Blue Ridge Railroad Company, and devoted 
himself for several years to the great interests of that 
Company. During his presidency, the company was 
involved in a most tedious and harassingiitigation with 
Bangs & Co., who were contractors on the road. The 
suit was brought in Georgia, and the judge had to 
attend the court for some time. He told me that after 
the adjournment of court, every day, his counsel and 
himself would repair to his rooms at the hotel, and take 
a drink of some good old brandy which he had brought 
with him from Charleston. The counsel suggested one 
day, that he should invite the prf'siding Judge to go 
with them and join them in a glass of brandy. Judge 



Edward Fjjost, 98 

Frost replied that he would be very hnppy indeed to 
have the pleasure of His Honor's company, but he 
doubted very much the propriety of sueh a, step. In 
South Cfirolina^ it would be re<»:arded as indelicate, and 
that he had never heard of such a thino- as treat in<i- the 
Jud<ie who was trying- an inipori-arit case, either whilst 
he was at the Bar or on the Bench. Theconnsel assured 
him that there was no such delicacy existing- in their 
courts. Thereupon, the Judge was invited, and went 
with them regidarly to his rooms. Judge Fiost said 
his brandy soon gave out, and he ha,d to send off to 
some grocery establishment to get a fresh supply. His 
counsel and His Honor did not perceive any difference in 
the liquor. They continued to praise it, and said it was 
farsupeiior to ariything of the kind they could get in 
that reiiion of count?-y. 

At length Judge Frost got tired of the y)re8idency of 
tiiis railroad company, and wrote me a very kind letter, 
stating that his purpose was to i-esion, and said that he 
and his board of directors desired me to accept the pres- 
idency of the road. I wrote back to him that my life 
had been devoted to law and politics, and that I was 
now unfit for anything else. I could not thiid< of accept- 
ing a ])()sition which I was wholly unfit for and knew 
nothinii' about. 

Duiiug the civil war, Judge Frost i-esided at Pendle- 
ton, and after the surrender of Gen. Johnston, a Yankee 
raid came through that part of the country, and the 
citizens armed themselves to resist. The Judge shoul- 
dered his rifle and inarched out to meet the raiders. He 
then returned to Charleston, which was in ruins, and 
socially in a state of chaos. They were without civil 
government, and determined to make application to the 
President for the appointment of a Pi-ovisional Gov- 
ernor for South Carolina. The Judge and four or five 
other gentlemen were requested by the citizens to pro- 
ceed to Washington and ask an interview with President 



94 Edward Frost. 

Johnson on this subject. They did- so, and several 
names were suo'gested to his Excellency, mine anion <2:st 
them. The President asked Jud<ie Frost if I was not 
"too much of a people's man to be acceptable to thecity 
of Charleston." The Judt>e assured him that my nomi- 
nation would be altogether acceptable. He called a "a in, 
and the President assui-ed him that my appointment 
would be made. 

Judge Frost was a member of the State Convention, 
which assend)led in 18G5, to frame a new Constitution 
for South Carolina. He pa,rtici[)ated largely in the 
debates of that Convention, which was composed of the 
ablest men of the State. It is doubtful whether any 
assembly ever convened in South Carolina surpassed it 
for talents, wisdom and ability. But their labors 
availed nothing. Another (.>:)nvention was ordered by 
Act of Congress, to nmke a.nothei- (Constitution. This 
Convention was the opposite in all respects of theformer 
one, and was the disgracteful beginning of that coiTup- 
tion, ignorance and roguery which have governed the 
State ever since, and dishonored every depai-tment of 
its government. 

Judge Frost made a very admirable Circuit Judge ; 
always pleasant, good imtured, polite and courteous. 
He des[)atched the business of l:is court promptly and 
with ability. A more pui-e and upright Judge never 
sat on any Bench. Judue Frost may have had personal 
enemies, but I never hea.rd of one. In his personal 
appearance he was prepossessing, and his manners weie 
those of a polished gentleman. I heard a gentlenmn 
say, who had seen Lord Brougham seated in the House 
of Lords, that there was a striking likeness between him 
and Judge Frost. But when the Lord Chancellor rose 
to address the House of Lords, he discovered that he 
was a much taller man than the Judge, and a great deal 
taller than any one would suppose him to be seeing him 
seated. 



Edward Frost. 95 

Judffe Frost was most sensitive to any seemino; im- 
propriety. He was once tryino- a very trifiiiif^ sum. 
pro., and one of the parties litifi'ant was put upon the 
stand as a witness. He shook hands with the Judge, 
a.nd reminded him that he liad served in the Legislature 
with him, and voted for him when he was elected .Judg:e. 
After court adjourned, the Judge said to me: "That 
beast of a fellow had the indelicacy to tell me whilst 
trying his case, that he had voted for me in the Legisla- 
ture when I was elected to the Bench!" He seemed to 
think that this was said to influence his decision in the 
case; but I told him he must attribute it to ignorance 
rather than to impropriety. 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 

P|RESIDENT FILLMORE, thoiio-h a stoutpr man, 
\va8 not unlike Chief Justice O'Neal, of South Caro- 
lina, in hi« appearance. Tlieie was a strikino: resem- 
blance, too, between him and Col. Thomas Thonijjson, of 
Abbeville. South Carolina, in their faces and features. 
Dni-ino- our political excitement, I had the honor of re- 
ceivin<i' several piivate and confidential letters from 
President Fillmore. In 1852 I was presented to him by 
Govej-nor Orr, at one of his reception parties. He en- 
quired if I was the editor of the Soutbern Patriot, and 
expressed himself v^erv much gratified to see me. The 
dense stream of human beings cati-ied me on, and I had 
no further conversation with him that eveniiii>-. The 
next day I received an invitation to dine with him. 
There was a laro-e party of ufMitlemen f)i-eseiit, and 
a.rnonu- them Mr. Thackei-ay, of Eni;land. I weiitunder 
the auspices of Col. Polk, brothei- of ex-President Polk, 
who was then a. niembe'r f)f Con<>i-css fiom Teni-essce. I 
called ap,ain the nextday and had a lonochat with J^resi- 
dent Filbnore. He told me that immediately after the 
death of General Taylor, he assetnbled the cabinet, and 
requested them to continue in their lespective offices for 
the ])resent. This they promptly lefuserl to do unless 
they wt're assuivd that they would be permanently re- 
tained in the cabinet. Mr. P^il!moi-e refused to jiive any 
such assurance, and accepted their resig;nations. He 
said he was very mu(di embarrassed by this movement, 
but requested the chief clerks in the several departnients 
to take chai-ft'e of the offices till he could organize his 
cabinet. 

In speakinti' of the neoro riot in Boston, and the re- 
sistance there to the capture of runaway slaves, he said 
he betian to think he should have to shed a little blood 



Millard Fillmore. 97 

in that cradle of liberty, as Boston had been termed, 
and that he was prepared to do so. In talking; over the 
political excitement in Sonth Carolina, and thf^ thi-eats 
we had made of seceding,-, he said his pnrpose was, if we 
had attempted such a movement in 1850, to sto]) the 
mails, and thereby cut us off from all communication 
with the outer world, and remove the Custom House 
from Charleston to some vessel in the harbor where the 
duties could bacollected. "In this way," said he, "I in- 
tended to force you back into the Union, or let you stay 
out till you g'ot tired of it." I thought his plans were 
well conceived, and would have been successful without 
shedding: a drop of blood. I was greatly impressed with 
his good sensp, wisdom and patriotism. I thought he 
possessed a most ])ractical mind. He ceitaiidy made a 
most admirable President, and administered the gov- 
ernment with great justice and impartiality. He told 
me in the same convei'sation, that he had a long; con- 
vei-sation the day before, with General Piei-ce, who was 
to l)e inaugurated the fourth of March as his successor 
in the Presidential chair. He said the Presidpiit-elect 
had commuincated veiy fi-eely to him his views and 
policy, and that he was much pleased with them. 

After President Fillmoi-e went out of office, he made a 
tour through the Southein States, and 1 had the pleasure 
of meeting- him in Columbia. In speaking- of the 
parties in South Carolina, I told him, in the presence 
of a large number of secessionists and co-operationists, 
that the Union party, though very small in the State, 
had great capacity, for they had swallowed up both the 
other parties, which wer-e very large. He enjoyed the 
idea very much. In the election between Buchanan and 
Fremont, President Fillmoie declared that the election 
of a sectional candidate, like Fremont, as President of 
the United States, would be cause for the Southern States 
withdrawing from the Union. But on the election of 
Lincoln, he abandoned this doctrine and sustained the 
war. 



JAMHS K. POLK. 



I^KESIDENT POLK was not a strikino- man in his 
x^r appearance or manners. He reminded me very 
ninoh, when I fij-st saw him, of a. silversmith in Green- 
ville, Sonth Carolina. He was of ordinary heii»ht and 
size, and would nevei- be ejiqnired after by a. stranger. 
But he was a man of tfdents and ability. As a stump 
orator and eleetioneei-er he had few equals. He under- 
stood, however, nature well, and had areat taot in ])oliti- 
cal manaiiement. He was full of anecdotes, and told 
them with <ireat effect in his ))ublic s|)eeches. Whilst 
canvassin^i; Tennessee for Governor, he cotn pared his 
opponent to a man who wa,s (taj^tui-ed durinu" the Revo- 
lutionary war by a scoutiny: party. They demanded of 
him to say whethei' he was for the kin,i»: or the country. 
He replied: "You say first, for you are the most." I 
never saw him till after his election as President. He 
had been a member of Con<*;ressfor many years, and was 
once Speaker- of the House of Representatives. Some of 
his speeches in Coni>-ress were mai-ked with <i,"reat ability. 
I was introduced to him and Mrs. Polk in the summer 
of 1840. Mrs. I^olk was a most charming- lady, and 
quite handsome. Her manners vveie fine. and I thoui>ht 
there was a <»,reat contrast between her and her hus- 
band, in theii- nmnners and appearance. The Mexican 
war was on hand at that time, and President Polk 
retnarked to me that he was fi^ihtiiii;' for peace. The 
con(]uest of Mexico soon followed and peace came. The 
administration of President Polk was a most successful 
and biilliant one for the country. 

He was boi-n in North Carolina, s;)mewhere in thesame 
re«;ion which *iave birth to Andrew Jackson. Like 
Jackson, he moved to Tennessee, and like him, too, he 



James K. Polk. 99 

reached the Presidency. It is a si nj^ular fact, that three 
of the Presidents of the United States, Jackson, Polk 
and Johnson, should have been born near each other in 
North Cp.rolina, all three should have moved to Ten- 
nessee, and been elected from that State to the Presi- 
dencv. There were ^reat doubts about Jackson's birth- 
place at one time. He thou<iht, himself, that he was 
born in South Carolina, and for a number of years the 
house was reg^arded by everybody as beinj^ in South 
Carolina. But I think Parton's Life of Jackson settles 
the question. The spot belon<is to North Carolina, and 
is only a few yards from the South Carolina line. The 
rubbish of the chimney was still to be seen by Mr. Par- 
ton, and the dividinj>- line had been correctly ascertained 
between the two States. It is with deep regret that we 
give up the nativity of Jackson to the old North State, 
but the truth of history must be vindicated. 









m 






''§£ 



^ 



^ 






FRANKLIN PIERCE. 

II SAW President Pierce a few da.ys before liis iiiauiiu- 
^1 i-ation, and was very much ])leased with him. He is a 
man of most coi-dial and <>enial natnre, hi^ih-toned and 
fienerous in all his actions, and ])ossesses a pure, broad 
]);L+ri()tism which embi7H'es his whole conntry. He is 
^■()vei-ned, however, too much by his impulses to be wise 
in the administration of a <>reat Republic. A man ot 
Btronji', deep feelinj^s is more a]it to ei-i- than one witli- 
out such feelings. He natuially suffers his feelin<>s to 
<iet the l)etter of his judjiinent. 

President I"illmoi-e declared that he would not ap- 
point to any office, either a secessionist ot- abolitionist. 
He did this for the ])nr))ose of buildiiiji' up a. <ii-eat 
National Union ])arty North and South. He looked 
U])on both the other jiarties as sectional parties, dis- 
unionists in fact, and he wished to desti-oy them as 
parties, to keep them from destroying*- the Republic. In 
this, there was t>rpat wisdom, and great statesmanship 
as well as oood sense. President Piei-ce unfoi-tunately 
adopted a dift'erent policy, and appointed avowed dis- 
unionists to office in the Soutliern States and openly 
acknowledged abolitionists to office in the Northern 
States. Tliis was done to gi-atify popular sectional 
majority, and had the effect of destroying the true 
Union party North and South. All the oftices in the 
Southern States were in a. great measure filled by seces- 
sionists and disunionists. (Jood Union men, like Col- 
onel Grayson, wei-e tui-ned out of office, to make i-oom 
for secessionists like Colonel Colcock. Colonel Grayson 
was a Whig and Colonel Colcock was a Democrat. This 
policy alone gav^e an impetus to disunion, which noth- 
ing could stop, He called to his cabiuet disunionists of 



Franklin Tiekcp:. 101 

the first water, and strenothened them as a party 
throii<»hont the Soiitliern States. 

Pi-esideiit Pierce said to me that he had no desire to 
be President of the United States, and that the Ameri- 
can pcoplehad committed aiireat mistake in electinf2,lnni 
their Chief Ma<i,istrate. I did not think so then, hut 
afterwards I became satisfied of the truth of his remark. 
He did a <ireat deal to hasten the outbreak of secession, 
and President Buchanan, by pursuing,' the same policy, 
completed it. If they had tilled their cabinets with 
ITnion men and refused to a])point sectional mentoofficc, 
North and South, the great rebellion, so called, would 
have been crushed out. 

I did not .2,0 to hear President Pierce's inaugural ad- 
dress. The day was excesislve],y inclement, and the 
crowd was endless. Pennsylvania avenue, foi- one mile 
in length, was one jammed mass of human beings. His 
address was iu chai"icter with the man, and much 
lauded at the time foi- its eloquence and pati-iotism. 

During the war. President Pierce l)ehaved better 
towards the South than any other prominent public 
man at the North. He regretted disunion deeply, but 
said that if the Southern States were determined on se]v 
aration, they ought not to be coeiced. He thought 
that according to the sacred principles of the Declara- 
tion of Independence, they were entitled to govern 
themselves as they thought proper. This every people 
had a right to. Nothing else could be self-government. 

President Pierce, when elected, was (]uite a young 
looking man, tall and slender, and prepossessing in his 
appearance. He had been a General in the Mexican war, 
and was a lawyer of great distinction at the Bar. He 
had serv^ed several yeai\s in both Houses of Congress, 
and his record was as true as steel. President Davis 
was his Secretary of War, and he has recently said that 
he was more attached to Franklin Pierce than any man 
living. Just before Davis was released from imprison- 



102 Franklin Piehce. 

ineiit at Fortrass Monroe, President Piercn paid him a 
friendly visit. He lost his only child, a very proniisino- 
boy, just after his election as President. 

In conversation with a South Carolina <>entlenian, 
President Pierce said, immediately after his inaugura- 
tion, that if he had lived in the South, he, too, would 
liave been a secessionists. I thought this very strange 
language for a, President to use. But it was an honest 
confession of his impulsive heart, and in character with 
the man. He detested oppression and wrong, and 
thought that Northern intei-ference with our domestic 
institutions most unwarrantable. Under these wrongs, 
oppressions and interferences, his feelings, and not his 
judgment, would have controlled his actions. 

Since writing this sketch of President Pierce, he has 
departed this life, and no Northern statesman has left 
behind him a reputation more endeared to the South. 
He was faithful to his political principles, inherited from 
his Revolutionary ancestors, amidst the faithless North, 
in our civil war, which denied to the Southern States, 
in their folly, the right of self-government, at the sacri- 
fice of half a million of human lives. 



'■■(^^^* 



WILLIAM GASTON. 



pUDGE GASTON, of North Carolina, Ucus a dis- 
O. tino-iiished jurist, an able statesiiian, and an 
accomplished gentleman. It is said that a man's auto- 
tj-raph gives you some idea of his character. I have freT 
quently thought of this in looking over ten or fifteen 
volumes of letters, substantially bound, which, in the 
course of a long life, I have received from distinguished 
men. And 1 have thought, too, that there was a great 
deal of tiuth in the remark. Judge Gaston, according 
to this rule, was an accomplished gentleman. Every- 
thing about his letters, as well as his handwriting, 
indicated it. They were neatly folded and endorsed. 
There were no flourishes in his writing. The hand was 
neat, plain and easily read, and perfectly uniform 
throughout. It showed that he never wrote in a hurry, 
and the English notion is, that a gentleman should 
never be in a hurry. He should always be calm, sedate 
and dignified. Any one looking at the handwriting of 
Washington, would be apt to say that he was a grave, 
dignified gentleman, taking time to reflect as well as to 
write. On the contrary, the autograph of Napoleon 
clearly showed that he was in a huriy, and did not give 
a moment's reflection as to the character of his writing. 
All that he thought of was to give expression to ideas 
which were crowding his mind. He had no respect for 
an5' mere accomplishment. 

Judge Gaston was one of North Carolina's gieatest, 
ablest and best of men. He was a. conservative, and 
respected the wisdom of past ages. He belonged to the 
old Federal school of statesmen, a^nd being a man of 
principle, he adhered in all things to what his best judg- 
ment told him was right. This kept him out of politics 



104 William Gaston. 

the «>reatei" part of his life, awn prevented him from 
acquiriiio- that reputation uiiich his talents, virtues and 
aecompiishments entitled him to as a public man. He 
was born in the little town of Newbern, North Carolina. 
Sej)tember lOth, 1778. He oraduated at Princeton, in 
179G, with the hi<ihest honors of the coll^'j>e. Twoyears 
after his admission to the Bar, he was elected a member 
of the State Senate, in Noith Carolina, and afterwards 
a member of the House. In 1808, he was chosen 
vS[)eaker of the House of Representatives. He waselected 
a member of Conoress in 1818, and served in that body 
four years, where he a(;quired a national reputation for 
talents, ability and elo(]uence of a hio-h order. He was 
the leader of the Federal pcirty in the House of Repre- 
sentatives. He retiied fronj Con<>ress in 1817, and 
devoted himself to his profession. He was employed in 
all the most important cases in the State. The Earl of 
Granville retained him to brin<;' suit for lands firan ted 
his ancestor, one of the Lord's proprietors of North 
Carolina, which covered about two-thirds of the State! 
Neither f)()pnlar clamor nor the odium of such a case 
could deter him from enjzaoijio- In it. He said that it 
should not "o abroad that a. foi'eigner could not en(>ao:e 
cour.sel to prosecute his claims. .The suit however 
failed, or it would have dispossessed one-half of the 
f)-ee-hol(leis of North Carolina. In 1834 he was elected 
a Jud<2;e of the Supreme Court 'of North Carolina, for 
which, it was said, "his tastes, character and intellectual 
qualities eminently fitted him." He was a Roman Cath- 
olic, and by the (then) State Constitution, incapable of 
holding- any State office. But this provision of the Con- 
stitution was treated as a dead letter in Judge Gaston's 
case. 

In 1835 a State Convention was called in North Caro- 
lina to revise their Constitution. The question of free- 
negro suffrage -came up for consideration. Under the 
old State Constitution, all freemen, paying atax, were 



William Gaston. 105 

allowed to vote. It was proposed to restrict this qnali- 
fioatioii to free white men, and thereby exclude free 
nejiToes. .lud<ie (Jaston resisted this change in the Con- 
stitution with <;reat ability and eloquence. He appealed 
to the nienibei'S of the Convention to say whether their 
experience did not prove that, in all eases, the free 
nep,roes voted \vith the oentlemen and better class of 
white voters. He insisted that such was the fact, and 
no one controverted it. How different is our experience 
in South Carolina, since the abolition of slavery, and the 
investment of the colored nmn with thei-iiihtof suffrap,e. 
Instead of votinc; with g,'entlemen, and for ^-entlemen of 
intellioence and character, the colored men in South 
Carolina, with a few exceptions, invariably vote with 
and for the lowest and vilest wliite men in the commu- 
nity. Why is this? Because, in Jud<ie Gaston's day 
and time, the free neo-roes had more intelligence than 
the gi-eat mass of colored voters in South Cai'olina of 
the present day. They owned property, and their inter- 
ests pi-ompted them to depend on gentlemen for pi'otec- 
tion and assistance. Most unfoi-tunately, now, the 
colored men have had their minds yjoisoned by the 
unpiincipled white carpet-bag'gers and scalawags with 
storiew of being thrown back into slavery ! But the day 
will come when the colored voter will prefer a gentleman 
to a low scoundrel. 

Judge Gaston died in his sixty-sixth year. He fell 
dead in the midst of an animated (;onvei-sation, and his 
last words were expressing his faith in the "All-wise and 
Mighty." He was still Judge of the Supreme Court of 
Noi'th Carolina at his defith, and his death was a great 
loss to the judiciary of that State. When it was pro- 
loosed to chanjie the judiciary system of South Carolina., 
I wrote letters to Chancellor Kent and Judge Gaston, 
as two of the most distinguished juiists in tiie United 
States, asking their counsel and advice as to the best 
system of judication. I wrote to no one else. The fol- 



106 William Gaston. 

lowing: letter was kindly written me in reply by Judge 
Gaston. It will be read with interest. Almost all of the 
old judges and lawyers were in favor of separate courts 
of equity and separate courts of appeal In the la.n- 
guag'e of Chancellor Kent, we are all the creatures, more 
or less, of education. But in North Carolina they had 
no separate courts of equity. It was the defect of the 
judiciary system, in this respect, as seen by Jud<;e 
Gaston, which made him in fa,vorof the Eno-lish system, 
and that system which presided in South Carolina upto 
the present ordei" of things. 

Blythe Wood, Sept. 22, 1886., . 

My Dear Sir— Your letter of the 19th July was handed 
me as I was about leaviuf^ home on a long: excursion, 
and I have not since been sufficiently settled to have it 
in my power to answei- it. I seize a few moments of rest, 
which I am spen.ding- in the interior of New York, with a 
near and dear friend, togive you my thoug-hts upon the 
subject to which you have invited my attention. 

I deem it essential to a. proper judiciar\^ system, that 
there should be a, court foi- the correction of errors. 
eom])osed of judges entirely distinct from those who 
preside on the circuit. It is not possible for me, in the 
languag:e of a letter, to give even a correct outline of 
the i-easons which have produced this decided opinion. 
I will only say, that such an arrangement is indispensa- 
ble for proper deliberation, impaitiality and dignity. 
The revising tribunal in our State has been so consti- 
tuted ever since the year 1818, and there is scarcely 
now a dissenting opinion in the profession, or among 
the intelligent part of the community as to the propri- 
ety of this organization. 

I am not qualified by experience, to give an opinion 
on the com|)arative merits of the administration of 
equitable jurisprudence by judges of the courts of law. 
and by judges set apart wholly for that purpose. We 



William Gaston. 107 

have never had in our State district judj^es to hold our 
coui'ts of equity. But I have found so many serious 
inconveniences resulting from our system, that I have 
long wished it could be changed. The modes of pro- 
ceeding in law an(3 at equity are so different, the forms 
of pleading and the rules of practice so dissimilar, that 
it is scaiH-ely possible to find a working judge who is at 
home with both courts. As the number of equitable 
controversies bear no proportion to that of legal suits, 
the consequence is, that we ha.ve very respectable law 
judges on the circuit court bench, who admit that they 
are mere tyros in the science of equity. In the supreme 
court to which appeals are brought from both sides of 
the circuit court, we have an admii*able opportunity of 
comparing the skill manifested in one class of cases, 
with the want of it to indict in the other. 

Believe me, Sir, that no apology was necessary for 
communicating your wishes to me, and I shall deem 
myself very happy if lean beablein any degree to gratify 
them. By the time you receive this letter, I shall be 
on my way to Newbern ; and when there, it will afford 
me great pleasure to answer more in detail such further 
enquii'ies as you may please address to me. I am. Sir, 
with respectful sentiments, 

Your very obedient servant, 

Will. Gaston. 



WADE HAMFTONf. 



^ HE name of Wade Hatnptoii has been distin- 
" o:aished, in three treTieratioiis. for pati-iotio ser- 

vices, talents and wealth, in Sonth Carolina. It may 
well be said that the name is an illnstrious one, and one 
in which every South Carolinian feels a just pride. Gene- 
ral Wade Hampton, of the American Revolution, was a 
very remarkable man and lived to a <>'i"eat old a<ie. He 
was a dashin*:: young cavalry officer in the Revolu- 
tionary warand distino'uished himself in several eng,age- 
ments with the enemy. In the wa-r of 1812 he was ap- 
pointed a MajorGeneral in the United States Army, and 
commanded on the frontiers of Canada. After the close 
of the Revolutionary war, he represented his State in 
Congress, as soon as the Federal Government was or- 
ganized. But he soon abandoned public; life and de- 
voted his great energies and talents to planting. He 
made large investments in Louisiana, soon after the 
United States ac(]uired that Territory frofii the P^rench 
Government, which increased in value and made him a. 
princely estate. He became a large sugar planter as 
well as a, cotton planter, and at his death was regarded 
as the wealthiest man in the Southei-n Stales. He was 
fond of blooded horses and the turf, and it is said would 
bet largely on the race ground. 

Colonel Wade Hampton, the subject of this sketch or 
reminiscence, was the only surviving son of General 
Wade Hampton, of the Revolution, and the father of 
the present distinguished Lieutenant General Wade 
Hamjjton, of the Confederate Army, than whom there is 
no living; Carolinian more loved and respected by the 
people for his virtues, talent and patriotic services. 
Colonel Wade Hampton was a volunteer aid of General 



Wadk Hampton. 109 

Andrew Jackson in the celebrated battle of New Orleans, 
so <>lorioiis in its result. I never saw Colonel Wade 
Hampton till I went to Columbia to read law in the 
otfiee of Colonel James Gregg. He was then a State 
Senator, having beaten Governor Taylor in the preced- 
ing election. The contest w.^s a most vigorous one on 
both sides. Governor Taylor had been a, member of Con- 
gress and United States Senator. He was a gentleman 
of large fortune and most extensive family connections 
in the town of Columbia and the District of Richland. 
The Hamptons and Taylors were the two first families 
in that section of the State, and both very popular as 
well as very wealthy, and influential. There was a good 
deal of family pride enlisted in the contest, and every 
effort was made on both sides to carry the election. I 
remember hearing Colonel David Jf . McCord say that 
there was a fine cavalry company iVi Columbia., at that 
time, which was likely to exercise a controlling power 
in the canvass. He and other friends of Colonel Wade 
Hampton pioposed that the old General Wade Hamp- 
ton, the father, should join this company before elec- 
tion, for political effect. It was suggested to the Gene- 
ral and he assented to it. His name was proposed, at 
a supper given the company, and voted for unani- 
mously with great acclamation. The old General was 
present, a fine looking and venerable gentleman. This 
manceuver and his presence secured the vote of the com- 
pany for his son. 

I have heard an amusing anecdote told of General 
Hampton's spirit and pluck in his extreme old age. 
There was a. great case in court, foi' several years be- 
tween him and Governor Taylor about a mill dam. 
The Governor sued the General for overflowing his lands 
above the mill, and succeeded finally in the case. This 
provoked the old General very much, who was very pas- 
sionate and high-tempered. He fell out with .Governor 
Taylor's lawyers. Colonel W. C. Preston and Mr. Stark. 



110 Wade Hampton. 

He vowed that he would hohl them responsible per- 
sonally for the lawsuit. With this deterniinytion he 
called at Colonel Preston's house and told him what he 
intended to do. The Colonel, who treated the fall of 
the General, then seventy oi- eit>,hty years old, as a, joke, 
told him he was not the lawyer on record, did not brinj;* 
the suit, and was only employed as assistant counsel, 
and etiquette reijuired the (ieneral to challenge. Mr. 
Stark, who was the attorney of record, had brought the 
suit, and was about his, the General's, own age. This 
excited the old gentlpman veiy much, and he withdi-evv 
by saying: "I beg jjardon, Colonel, I discover you are 
troubled with an intirmity." Judge But^lei-, who told 
me this incident, entei-ed Colonel Preston's house just 
as the Genei-al was i-etiring sorely discomfited. 

Colonel Wade Hampton was sti-ongly solicited to run 
foi- (lovernor after his election to the Senate, and could 
have been elected vei-y easily, but he positively refused. 
In after years, he was solicited time aiid again to be- 
come a candidate for the Executive chair, but he would 
never consent to have his name used for that purpose. 
He preferred making governors to being one hin;self. 
For more than twenty years he was the great Wai'wick 
of South Carolina, anjl took an active part in thejiubfr- 
natorial elections. Seldom ditj any one succeed to the 
chief magistracy of the State without his support. When 
Govei-nor Aiken was elected. Colonel Hampton was very 
active in the canvass, and after the election was over, 
he gave the most elegant and magnificent entertain- 
ment that I ever witnessed anywhei-e. He then lived at 
"Millwood," about four miles from Columbia. The 
company was invited at eight o'clock in the evening. 
When we reached the avenue leading from the j)ublic 
road to his house, we saw- on both sides of it, huge 
lighted torches of pine, making the road as bright as if 
it weie mid-day. The supper was most luxurious and 
very handsomely decorated. The ladies were all young 



Wade Hampton. Ill 

anrl bt^autiful, a.iid dressed with a taste and elejiance 
which I never saw surpassed in WashiTi<2:ton, New York 
or Bofston. It was a very lar<j^e assemblage of ladies 
an<l jientlenien. 

But Colonel Hampton was distinguished for his fre- 
quent and niaj^-nifieent entertainments, and especially 
during- the sitting of the Legislature. At all times, 
however, his house was full of company, and h«^ de- 
lighted in the companionsliip of his friends. He pos- 
sessed a princely foi-tuTie, and he spent his income with 
the munificence and liberality of a prince. He was not 
only unbounded in his hospitality, but o})en handed in 
all public improvements and charitable purposes. On 
one occasion thei-e was a. fair in Columbia for some 
charitable or benevolent puipose, and a suppei- was a 
part of the entertainment. Colonel Hain])ton and his 
daughters wei-e behind the tables waiting on the com- 
pany. General Thompson, addressing the Colonel said: 
" Well, Hampton, I always knew that you kept a public 
house, but I nevei* knew you to charge before." 

Colonel Hampton, like his fathei-, was fond of tine 
horses and blooded stock. He resembled the old 
Geneial in another respect, for he was a great lover of 
the turf. He made a great many importations of 
blooded horses, and fine cattle, sheep, &c. No one did 
more to improve our breed of horses, cattle, sheep, &c., 
than Colonel Hrtmj)ton. He was also a dear lover of 
the chase, and took great delight in hunting deer, whilst 
summering in the mountains of North Carolina. He 
purchased a farm in Cashier Valley, Jackson County, 
N. C, where he and his family spent several summers. 
There is not a more delicious climate in the world for 
three months of the year than Cashier Valley. 1 
was there whilst Colonel Hampton and Colonel John S. 
Preston and their families resided there. Colonel Hamp- 
ton had killed, just before I reached there, the largest 
buck I ever heard of, and he was proud of his feat. Colo- 



112 Wade HamptOxV. 

iiel Hampton was a l]ioh-toiie(J and most, hoiioiable 
<i(!ntlenian, liberal, oenprons and devoted to his friends. 
His manners werecordial, frank and oi)en. When the Rev. 
Robert H.Reid graduated in the South Carolina Col]e*»e, 
he made a most favorable impression on the trustees 
and others, who heard his ^I'aduatin^i,- speech. Colonel 
Hampton imderstood that he was ^oin*)' to j)repa,re 
liimself U)v the ministry, and was in humble circum- 
stances. The Colonel ;dso understood that Jud^v 
Whitner was a neijzhbor and friend of younc Reid's. 
He came to where the Jud^e and myself were standing, 
and said in a loud voice: "' Whitner, your young friend 
Reid has too much talent to be spoiled in making a 
preacher out of him. Let him travel in Euiope, and 
attend some of the universities there two or three years, 
ajid then study law. He shall have the funds necessary 
to defray all expenses." 

For many years, Colonel Hampton was one of the 
trustees of the South Carolina College. We served to- 
gether on that board for fifteen or twenty years. But 
the Colonel seldom addressed the board, whicii was 
comj)osed of the Governor, Chancellors, Law Judges 
and twenty members elected by the Legislature. Al- 
though Colonel Hampton was no public speaker, he 
conversed well, and was pleasant and agreeable in 
conversation. He was emphatically a practical man, 
and a wise man in all the ordinary affairs of life. 
There was a. difficulty between Colonel Preston Bi-ooks 
and Mr. English referred to Colonel Hampton and 
myself to settle. Some one enquired if the parties were 
not bound to accept our decision, no matter what it 
might l>e. "'No," said Hampton, "if dishonorable 
terms are imposed, the parties are not bound to abide 
by our decision." 

The grandfather of Colonel Hampton, and father of 
(jleneral Wade Flampton, of the Elevoliition, moved 
with his familv from North Carolina or Viri>-inia. to the 



Wade Hampton. 113 

upper part of Spartanbiii'jjL' district, near the Greenville 
line, and settled on the Tjoer River, about the com- 
mencement of the Revolutionary war. The old oeiitle- 
man, Anthony Hampton, his wife, son Preston and 
grandson, Harrison, were all massacred by the Indians. 
Another son, Edward Hamilton, who had married the 
daughter of Colonel Baylis Earle, living near the upper 
part of Gieenville, was killed by the tories whilst sitting 
at his dinner table. Many years since, I wrote an arti- 
cle in my Revolutionary' incidents, on "the Hampton 
family,'' and mentioned all these facts with some par- 
ticularity. Colonel Wade Hampton continued the his- 
tory of tlie Hanii)ton family, and mentioned several 
other sons of Anthony Hampton, whosuivived the Revo- 
lution, and lived in the middle part of South Carolina. 
But none of them ac(nimulated fortunes as the General 
did. 

Colonel Wade Hampton died just before our civil war, 
leaving a piincely estate, which was all lost to his chil- 
dren during thecivil strife. His beautiful residence, near 
Columbia, was wantoidy burned by Sherman's army, 
as was also his son's, in the suburbs of the city. But 
the old family mansion in the city of Columbia, which 
had been the residence of old General Wade Hampton 
for many years, was by some means spared in the con- 
flagration. When Henry Clay visited South Carolina, 
Colonel Wade Hampton occupied, this superb house for 
the purpose of entertaining the illustrious Kentuckian, 
who was his friend personally and politically. All who 
knew Colonel Wade Hampton admired and loved him 
for sterling integrity, high-toned honor, great liberal- 
ity and cordial, frank manners, as well as for his cour- 
age, patriotism and wisdom. 



JAMES EDWARD HENRY. 

fgOR MANY years Major Htuiry was a di.stin<>uislied 
_ ^ leadinti; member of the House of Representatives 
oi~ South Carolina, from the District of Sparta nbnr<>-. 
He was (Jiie of the most pi-omiiient members of the Bar 
oil the Western Circuit, and possessed a mcjst lucrative 
practice. He was a man of rare taleuU and genius, 
self-made and self-educated. As a writer of fiction he 
p,a.ve unmistakable evidence r^f his talents and ability in 
"The Tales of thePackolett "and " MyraCunninjiham." 
His o-reat success at the V)ar showed his le^al attain- 
ments and devotion to his profession. But he was at 
the same time fond of ])olite literature, and sometimes 
even coui-ted the Muses. 

In "The Bench and Bar of South Carolina," by Judge 
O'Neall, there is a louii" biographical sketch of Major 
Henry, written partly by the Chief Justice and in |)art 
by the Rev. Mr. La.ndrum. He was born in Providence, 
Rhode Island, in the year 1776. His father, who was 
ca])taiii of a merchant vessel, was killed whilst James 
Edward was a lad. Leit an ori)haii and poor he entered 
a cotton factory, where he remained several years, and 
then came to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for the pur- 
pose of engaging in the "Weaver Factory." But he was 
prevailed upon to take charge of a school in the neigh- 
borhood of the factory, where he remained for sevei'al 
years, and then cominenced the study of law under 
William Hunt, Escjuire. He was admitted to the Bar 
in 1821 and formed a partnership with Colonel Patillo 
F'arrow. When I first became acquainted with Major 
Henr-y he was practicing law at Spartanburg, in part- 
nership with Judge Earle, and I know the Judge had a 
very high opinion of him as a lawyer and ageutleman. 



James Edward Henry. 115 

As a boon companion Major H«^nry had few equals. 
He was alwa^'s in <i:ood spirit.-;, full of wit and liunior, 
talked well, and was most cordial in liis manners. He 
was fond of a joke, told an anecdote well, and always 
most ha])py at repartee. Whilst a. member of the Leg- 
islature he and Governor Adams and two or three other 
members were run by theii- friends foi' Speaker of the 
House. That evenino- he and Governor Adams and one 
or two others of the defeated aspirants to the Speaker's 
Chair were enjoying' theniselves at the hotel, when some 
one proposed to the defeated ji'entlemen to make the 
speeches which they had, no doubt, prepared in case 
th»^y were elected. They all declined, when Major Henry 
said he knew what ea(;h one would have said, and would, 
for the oratification of the conipany, rehearse their sev- 
eral speeches, together with his own. Thereupon, he 
commenced with the speech of Governor Adams, who 
was then General of Cavalry, and had been an old line 
Whi<>'. In succession he made a speech for each one of 
the oth^r candidates, and concluded with his own. They 
were inimitable specimens of his wit and humor, and 
never did a company of <2,entlenien enjoy an exhortation 
with more rapturous <ilee. 

In the ar^iument of a criw. con. case at Spartanburg-, 
Major Henry took occasion, most wittily and humor- 
ously, to allude to Potiphar's wife. The senior counsel 
on the other side, who was taking notes of the Major's 
argument, and not being well versed in Biblical history, 
enquired of his junior sitting by him : "Where that case 
of Potifers wife was reported!" The junior counsel, 
who was fresh from his classics, said " he thought he had 
read it in the Greek Testament!" The enquiry and 
answer were oveiheard by other members of the Bar, 
and produced a burst of hiughter. This gave the Major 
an opportunity of continuing his humorous remarks, to 
the great amusement of the court and spectators. 

In the latter part of his life Major Henry joined the 



116 James Edward Henry. 

Methodist Church, a,iid becaiue sincerely pious. Hetold 
me he found it hard to break himself of the bad habit 
he had contracted of cursing- under sudden impul.se and 
excitement. Shortly after he joined the Church he 
hoisted a window to look out, when the sash fell on his 
head. He involuntarily exclaimed: "Damn the window." 
Judge Earle told me that he returned from Columbia in 
the stage with Major Henry and his partner, Major 
Deane, some tinie after the3' had both attached them- 
selves to the Church. Henry enquired of Deane if he had 
lost none of his piety in Columbia, and whether he was 
as zealous in the cause of religion as he was before he 
left home. Major Deane replied that he had experienced 
no change whatever in his leligious feelings, and begged 
to know why the question was asked him. Henry said 
he himself did not feel as much zeal in religion as when 
he left home; that meeting his old friends in Columbia, 
and spending three or four weeks with them, had, he 
must confess, demoralized him very much, and made 
him neglect his religious duties. 

When I first became acquainted with Major Henry he 
had just been defeated for the Legislature, and in speak- 
ing of the canvass, he said he was most unfortunate in 
meeting two of the most serious charges that were 
brought against him, and which defeated his election. 
I enquired how that was. He replied that both of the 
charges were true, and he could not deny either of them 
in his public speeches! This somewhat excited my curi- 
osity, and I begged to know what these accusations 
were. He said they accused him of being a, lawyer! 
which was true, and they charged him with being a 
Yankee ! and that also was the truth ! 

In the Legislature, every session. Major Henry would 
submit a, stiing of resolutions, to be referred to the 
different committees, to enquire and report as to the 
expediency of legislatingon the various matters referred. 
These resolutions generally embodied- a good deal of 



James Edward Henry. 117 

popular sentiment expressed during the canv-ass. Some 
of the Major'sfriendssaid tohim that he had introduced 
his resolutions for Bunronibe, and if they should be 
favorabl,y reported on he would have to vote against 
th(!m himself. " No," said he, " not all of them— I think 
I could vote for one-half of them at least." 

T had, through life, a very strong and sincere friend- 
ship for Major Henry, and deeply regretted that habit 
of intemperance, which cai-ried him to an untimely grave, 
and which was contracted in the latter part of his life 
by his cordiality, sociability and love of friends and 
company. He once said to me that no one was in 
danger of being a drunkard if he only drank when he 
wanted to drink. But men got in the hal)it of drinking 
by association and companionship. It struck me that 
there was a. great deal of truth and philosophy in the 
remark. How often do gentlemen take a drird< out of 
politeness, or through sociability, when they have no 
desire to do so whatever? In this way an artificial 
thirst and love for spirits is created, which ends in 
habitual drunkenness. I once heard a refined and pol- 
ished gentleman say that the fashionable etiquette of 
asking another, at the dinner table, to take a glass of 
wine with him was as absurd as it would be to ask him 
to take salt with him ! 

Major Henry was appointed one of Chief Justice 
O'Neall's aides when he was elected Major-General. He 
soon resigned his commission, (says his Chief, in the 
biographical sketch already alluded to), and frankly 
confessed that he had no military talent at all. I once 
heard the Major make this acknowledgment in the Leg- 
islature. He was addressing the house on some military 
bill, and apologized by saying that he [)rofessed no mil- 
itary genius, pride or ambition in that line. He had 
never aspired even to be a Governor's aide! This was 
said immediately after His Excellency, for the time 



118 James Edward Henry. 

bpiiiji,', had appointed fifteen or twenty n>enil)ers of the 
House on his staff. 

The death of Major Henry was a sad affliction to his 
friends and family. It was also a gi-eat loss to his 
adopted District and State. He was indeed, as the Chief 
Justice said in his Bench and Bai-, "the child of <^ein'us." 
He had «2,iven reputation to the Spartanburg' Bar, and 
position and influence to the District in the Legislature. 
He was the great advocate of nianufactui-es in Spartan- 
burg, and injured his fortune seriously by it. His loss 
by tiie Bivingsville Factory was very large. 

At the meeting of the first court at Spaitaiibui'g after 
the death of Major Henry, Iwas requested to draft suit- 
able resolutions by a meeting of the Bar, and present 
them to the court. In doing so, and addressing His 
Honor Judge Withers, I was affected to tears. In 
alluding to it at Laurens court the next week, Judge 
Withers said it was all over now, and Henry had passed 
out of our minds. I replied to him that, so far as I was 
concerned, it was a great mistake. Major Henry had 
been almost constantly in my mind ever since, and that 
I never could cease to retnember and regret him; that 
the early friends of youth were far more endeared to us 
than those of later life. Henry was indeed a, most lova- 
ble man, warm-hearted, generous, disinterested, and 
public spirited. His courage was as true as steel, and 
his firmness unconquerable. But he was as bitter an 
enemy as he was confiding in friendship. In his early 
struggles through i)overty and obscui-ity there was a 
family influence which attempted to crush him. He said 
to me once that the bare thought of the possibility of 
his blood being mingled with that of this family in 
future ages rendered him unhappy. But the Rev. Mr. 
Land rum states, in his sketch of Major Henry, that 
whilst on his death-bed, he sent for liim, and requested 
him to say in the pulpit that he forgave all his enemies, 
and died a sincere believei* in Jesus Christ, his Saviour. 



SAM HOUSTON. 



I;: WAS introduced to Gpiieial Houston at one of Presi- 
J dent Polk's levees. His colleague at that time in 
t1te Senate was Genei-al Rusk, an old acquaintance of 
mine. We were brouolit up in the same District, 
Pickens, though I believe he was born in Newberry. 
His father was still living in Pickens, long after the Gen- 
eral became distinguished. He was a stone mason, and 
very poor. Genei-al Houston was a fine looking nmn. 
tall, well proportioned, and he prided himself very much 
on his personal appearance. He affected great suavity 
in mode, and always had something ridiculous in his 
dress. When I saw hinj in Washington, he wore an ex- 
tremely lai'ge brimmed hat, which attracted great 
notice, and was doubtless worn for that purpose. The 
winter preceding, he had worn a huge, flashy Mexican 
blanket. In one of my letters from Washington, pub- 
lished in the newspapers, I designated him as "the 
ffreat humbug." When I started the Southern Patriot, 
a. number of plates of distinguished men were procuired 
in New York, and one was y)laced in each number of the 
paper. Amongst them, there was one of General Sam 
Houston. He was, at that time, trying to have him- 
self brought forward as a candidate for the Presidency. 
He wrote me a long letter, and sent me in advance, two 
or three years subscription to the Patriot. I continued 
to send him the paper till the Know Noting movement 
sprung up. He had hopes of being the Know Nothing 
candidate for President, and wrote me a letter discon- 
tinuing his paper in consequence of its opposition to 
the Know Nothing movement. 

The life of General Houston was. in many respects, a 
most remarkable one. He rendered gallant services in 
the Creek Indian war, and was afterwards the pet of 



120 Sam Houston. 

General Jackson. After servinj^: several years in Con- 
gress, he was elected Govei-norof the State of Tennessee, 
Whilst Governoi', he was niai-iied the fii'st time, and 
soon afterwards separated from hits wife, resioned his 
office as Governor, and went to reside with the Chero- 
kee Indians. He went clad as an Indian chief, and took 
a wife anion^ist them. Then he went to Texas, and was 
the successful commander of theii' forces in theii- sepa- 
ration from Mexico. He was elected Piesident of the 
Republic of Texas, and after the annexation to the 
United States, he was elected a Senator. Whilst Presi- 
dent of Texas, he married a younji' lady in Alabama, by 
whom he left' a, family. He was Governor of the State 
of Texas when the Southei-n States seceeded from the 
Fedeial Union, and he did all he could to stay the revo- 
lution aufl keepTexas in theUnion. But after his State 
seceeded, he cast his fortune with lier, and determined to 
share hei- destiny. He did not lono- survive, however. 

General Houston was a <>,Teat man on tlie stump, and 
he spoke well. His style was declamatory, and he gen- 
erally cai-iied the crowd with him. The secession feel- 
ing in Texas was very strong. And General Houston 
lost control of the State, in consequence of his Union 
principles. I think, too, that the State rather de])osed 
him, or, at least, treated with contempt his acts as 
Governor, and called a convention in sj)ite of his edicts. 
His name ought to be dear to Texas, and his memory 
respected by her people. It does not occur to me, now, 
that there is a more remarkable battle on lecord, than 
that of San Jacinto, in which Houston desti-oyed the 
Mexican army, with a. handful of followei-s; captured 
their President, and gained the independence of the Re- 
public. The disparity between the forces of the two 
ai'inies was very great in point of numbei-s. There was 
a large number killed on the part of the Mexicans, 
whilst the Ti^xans lovSt scarcelv an v. 



^W\ 









^^p^ 



^ 
^ 






WINFIELl) SCOTT. 

e^N BEING iiiti-odnced to (leiieral Scott, he enquired 
.„J ill what pai-t of South Carolina I rewided, and 
being told Greenville, he replied that he once ispent sev- 
eral months there. I thought unpleasant reminiscences 
were recalled to his mind. Before the v ar of 1812, Gen- 
eral Scott came to Columbia, South Carolina, and made 
ap])lication foi- admission to the Bar. His a])plication 
was rejected on the <iround that he had not been two 
years a citizen of the State. He then came to Greenville 
with Chancellor Thonipson, and spent several months 
with him. During that time, Scott and Colonel Toney 
were gambling, and when he left Greenville, he gave his 
note to the Colonel for a considerable sum of money, 
which, [ have heard, was paid after Scott had become a 
Brigadier-General in the United States army. 

General Scott had a most commanding and striking 
person, towering above all others, well proportioned, 
and, in full uniform, looked the god of \\ar. He must 
have been six feet six inches in height. I am six feet two 
and a half inches, and found it unpleasant looking up 
to him, whilst standing and conversing. In 1852, I met 
him acain at President Fillmore's levee, and his height 
was remarkable in contrast with the dense mass of 
human beings around him. He was head and shoulders 
above them all. 

It is well known that General Scott was a native of 
Virginia, and during the recent war, took sides against 
his native State and section. This brought him into 
great odium with the Southern people. I have no doubt 
the decision was a most painful one for General Scott to 
make between the nationalflag, which beloved so dearly 
and had borne so gloriously through life, and his old 
native commonwealth, which he loved and honored as 



122 WiNFiELD Scott. 

an honored son. It is well known that he was greatly 
troubled in making; up his decision, and for a long time 
it was doubtful which side he would take. But he was 
under the influence of national counsellors and advisers, 
and his Judgment did not approve the action of Virginia 
and the other Southern States. 

General Scott was a man of great personal vanity and 
ambition. He once said to General Waddy Thompson, 
whilst they were standing in the Senate of the United 
States, that he would never die satisfied till he had made 
a speech in that chamber as United States Senator. 
Thompson jestingly replied: "You might never be satis- 
fied afterwards, General." He was a man of great pre- 
cision and exactness in conversation. 



•ooe' 
















m 












JAMES H. IRBY. 



^OLONEL IRBY was a native of Laurens District, 
and the desoendaiit of a gallant \Vhi<>- of the 
American Revolution. His whole family foujizht and 
suffered in the cause of our independence, and the 
Colonel was as tru? a patriot as any of his revolutionary 
ancestors. For many years he served his native distiict- 
in both branches of the State Legislature with great 
ability and distinction. He was once elected Lieutenant 
Governor of the State, and afterwards came within one 
vote of being elected Governor by the Legislature. He 
was a graduate of the South Carolina College, read law, 
and became one of the most successful lawyers in the 
upper part of the State. He died, leaving an estate 
woi-th four hundred thousand dollars! Without bning 
a learned lawyer, he was an able and successful practi- 
tioner. By natuie he was a great man, and endowed 
with uncoirimon practical good sense. He was a fine 
looking man, tall, well proportioned, and had a. noble 
head, phrenologically well developed. There was no 
lawyer at the Bar who saw more quickly the strong 
points of his case, who comprehended them better, or 
who was more al)le to present them to the court and 
jury, advantageously for his client. He always argued 
his cases with great force and ability, and generally cited 
authority to sustain his legal positions. But, peihaps, 
no lawyer on the circuit read less than Colonel Irby, 
either of law, or general litei-ature. All of his greatness, 
he owed to natuie. Had he been a hard student and 
cultivated the great powei-s of his intellect, he would 
have been a great man indeed. There was no one who 
understood and possessed a. better or truer knowledge 
of human nature. He once said to me that "he un- 



124 James H. Ikby. 

derstood niankiTid as well as if he had made them !" 
Rarely, if evei-, was he deceived or imposed upon, in the 
business transactions of the world. Thouiih a hold, 
brave, frank and impulsive man, he was neverthf^less, in 
an eminent degree, cautious and politic in all his actions. 

I v.as on terms of great intimacy with Colonel Irby, 
fiom our first acquaintance up to his death, which was 
more than thirty years. I had for him during all that 
time a very high regaid, and a most sincere friendship. 
I attended a, meeting of the Bar at Laurens on the oc- 
casion of his death, and expressed fully to the court my 
high appreciation of the man. On the cii-cuit, and in 
Colntnbia, we spent a, good deal of our time together, 
and always most pleasantly. I have treasured up a 
great nmny amusing incidents of the Colonel, and in 
detailing a few of them, I have no pui-posn of deti-acting 
fi'oni the high and noble traits of his head and heart. 
It is said that in describins" a man, very often an anec- 
dote will give you a better insight of his character and 
mind, than an attempted elaborate portraituie. 

Shoi-tly after my admission to the Bar, 1 was attend- 
ing Laurens court, and took the liberty of going into 
the Colonel's law office to look up some authorities. I 
was completely amazed, when I looked at his library, 
and saw ten or fifteen volumes of old repoi-tsand elemen- 
tary works, instead of thatlargeandextensivecollection 
which 1 expected to see. 1 do not think I ever saw as 
few law books in any other lawyer's office befoie or since, 
no matter how young or poor he was. Colonel Irby was 
at that time a gentleman of large foi-time, and a full 
practice, with troops of clients. But the Colonel had 
very little use foi- books, as he lead pi-ecious little of any- 
thing. In the trial of a case of slander at Laurens, Colo- 
nel Irby was for the plaintiff. Wistar Simpson hand<'d the 
Colonel a pai)er on which was wi-itten a quotation from 
Shakespeare, prefaced with the woids: '• Verily, verily, 
[ say unto thee, he who steals my purse, steals trash. 



James H. Ikby. 125 

but, he who filches from me my <»'00(1 name, robs me of 
thfit vvliich not enriches him and makes mepoorindeed." 
Simpson told him it was a quotation from the Bible. 
Irby asked the Clei-k for the Bible, on which he had been 
swearing: witnesses, and holding' it up, said: "Gentle- 
men of the jury, I have something- in this good book, 
which b parson this cas3," and real the papsr which had 
been handed to him. This produced a hearty laugh, 
and a member of the Bar said to him: " That's fi-om 
Shakespeare and not the Bible." " Wl at the devil then 
are the words ' verily, verily, I say un>o thee,' doing- in 
it.'' said the Colonel! There was a Ba|)tist preacher 
foreman of the jury, which was trying' the case. When 
Judge O'Neall, who was also a- member of the Baptist 
Church, met Irby in Columbia in the Court of /Vppeals, 
he said to him: "I understand, Irby, you have been 
quoting' scripture in a slander case at Laurens.'' "Yes," 
said Irby "and there was a, Baptist clergymai), foreman 
of the jury, who searched the Bible through, after he 
went home, trying to find the quotation." 

Colonel Irby an<l myself were going' to Columbia^ to 
attend the sitting- of the Legislature, aiui expected to be 
absent four or five weeks. I said to him after we had 
started: "Irby, where is your trunk?" He took up a 
very small ca,ry)et bag out of the foot of his bug-gy and 
said: "This contains all the wai-drobe I ever travel 
with — a clean shirt and a pocket handkeichief." " But'' 
said I, " ha.ve you no stockings?" " No," was his reply, 
"it is cheaper to buy them than to have them washed." 
We once went to Charleston together, whilst he was 
President of the Laurens Raili-oad Company. Heca.rried 
with him fifteen orsixteen thousand dollars. Westopped 
at the Mills House, and in the morning I enquired 
at the office if the Colonel had come out of his room? 
Nickerson, the hotel keeper, said : " Have you not heard 
wdiat happened last night? Youi- friend, Colonel Irby, 
on going to bed blew out the gas, and neglected to turn 



126 James H. Irby. 

the screw. And lie came very near suffocatin<i: himself, 
and blowing- up the hotel. I discovered the gas in the 
passage this morning and ascertained it came from the 
Colonel's room. I knocked at the door, hut he made no 
reply. I called my carpentei' and told him to tear down 
the door expecting to find the Colonel dead.'' But the 
carpenter aroused him from his stuj)efied slumber. It 
was still dark, and Irby thought he was a robber after 
his money. I immediately went to the Colonel's room, 
and found him in a sad condition. He had, however, 
woke up in the night, and raised one of the windows. 
This saved his life, and perhaps the hotel with all its 
boarders. 

Colonel Irby and General Thompson had been partners 
in the practice of law, and were about the same age. 
When Irbv was about to marry Thompson's niece, the 
General said to him he might have her on two condi- 
tions — one was that he must call him "uncle" and the 
next was that he should lend him nioney whenever he 
wanted it. 

Colonel Irby and Judge Orr vvei-e elected members of 
the Southern Convention as co-operationists, opposed 
to separate State action, or secession. It was in this 
canvass that Judge Orr's "little bull stoi'y"was told 
with so much effect as illustrating the folly of South 
Carolina attempting, by herself, to break up the Union 
and whip the whole United States. There was a ti'ain 
of cars passing through an old field, where a herd of 
cattle were gi-azing. There was a little bull amongst 
them, which saw the engine coming, puffing and blow- 
ing, and thinking it was some huge beast hunting for a 
fight, the little bull curled his tail up and pitched into 
tile engine! The bull was killed and the cars thrown off 
the track. One of the passengers, a prudent, serious, 
sober-sided old fellow, got out of the cars to see the 
wreck, and, after going around the carcass of the bull, 
said : "I adimre your pluck, but damn your judgment!''' 



James H. Ihby. 127 

Diiiino- this canvass, the Colonel and Jud^e Orr were 
tnost admirably caricatured by a secessionist. The 
Jud<2,e was drawn mounted on his "little bull,'" and the 
Colonel on a hujie horse, both ii'oino; at full speed. 
Charles J. Elford and myself, who were editino- the 
Southern Patriot, a Union paper, were seen in the 
[)icture, lookino' earnestly at the riders, exclaimin<»: : "We 
shall catchthem in tiie Union ranksyet before the race is 
over!" Colonel Irby stops his steed and says to the 
Judjie: "By-God, Orr, we have «:ot lost." The Judge 
replied: "No danger. Tiiis is the way. Come on." 
The caricature was shown to Judge Orr, who examined 
it doseh', and observed: "I will give fifty dollars to 
ascertain who drew it!" The limner, who was standing- 
present, good humoredly I'eplied : "Show your money, 
Colonel, and I will tell you." 

Colonel Irby was a. very large and most successful 
planter, as well as a lawyer. He owned a large number 
of slaves, and told me that there was not one of them 
as old as himself. 

Colonel Irby was good natured, and took kindly all 
jokes told on him. He was also fond ot playing tHcks 
on others. An old, gray headed man once brought him 
a sum. pro. to defend. He said he had no defence, but 
wished the case put off, so that judgment would not go 
against him the first court. The case was issued by a 
lawyer living in another District, who knew nothing of 
the defendant, and did not expect any defence to the 
case. When the case was called on the docket, Colonel 
Irby gave notice that he apj^eared for the defendant, 
and pleaded infurjcy. This took the plaintiff's attorney 
by surprise, and he asked the court to continue the 
case, so that he might consult with his client. The next 
court, when the plaintiff's attorney enquired of the Colo- 
nel about the infant, he was shown an old nmii about 
seventy, with a head as white as cotton ! 

I saw the Colonel one dav in court catch a witness 



128 James H. Iijby. 

very baiidsoniel.y, avIio wa.s railed in to prove the signa- 
ture of some writing. He said he had seen the party 
write often, and the signature was genuine. Whilst the 
examination of the witness was going on, Colonel Irby 
wrote the name of the party whose signature was in 
dispute five times on separate pieces of paper. These he 
folded up very carefully, so that nothing could he seen 
but the signature, and presented them to the witness, 
who said they were all genuine and in the handwriting 
of the party! The testimony of the witness was, of 
i^oui'se, worthless, after these mistakes. It very often 
iiappens that a, witness will prove the signatnre of a 
party when he is utterly unable to recognize and identify 
any other writing of the l)arty to which his name was 
not attached. 

Colonel Irby was a remaTkal)ly linelookinggentlemanj 
tall anfl well proportioned, with as fine a head as I ever 
saw. If tliere be any truth in phrenology, he was by 
nature a great man, and possessed a great mind. 
Although a graduate of the South Carolina. T'ollege, and 
a most successful lawyer, he had never cultivated his 
talents as he should have done. His organ of language 
and his appT-eciation of the graces, were not high. He 
had been, all his life, the associate of gentlemen, but was 
frequently at fault in pronouncing the King's English, 
and in the grammatical construction of his sentences. 

The following incident is characteristic of the concilia- 
tion and firmness of the man : Colonel Irby was sitting 
with some lawyers after the adjournment of court play- 
ing a game of whist. The Colonel made an offensive re- 
mark about the testimony of one of the surveyors in a 
hmd case which he had before the court that day. One 
of the lawyers said to him that the surveyor alluded to 
was his uncle. Colonel Irby immediately apologized 
and said that he did not know of the relationshi|>, or he 
would not have made the remark. This emboldened 
the lawyer to make further comment on the remark, to 



James H. Irby. 129 

which the Colonel replied again apoloo;etically. But the 
more he apoloj^ized, the more resentful became the law- 
yer. At length Colonel Irby bectime excited, and said : 
•' I have done all I could to appease you, and inasmuch 
as you will not receive my apologies, I now say your 
uncle is a damned old rascal, and I believe he swore a lie 
in the case — help yourself." This seemed at once to 
reconcile the indiirnant kinsman. 



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JOB JOHNSTON. 



CHANCELLOR JOHNSTON was one of our ablpst 
- and most leai-ned Jnd<ies. He possessed a very 
clear- and lojiical mind, whicli was liiohly etdtivated. 
and his judicial opinions in the Conit of Appeals, as well 
as his decrees as a. Chancelloj-, wei-e always Incid and 
able. In social inteicf)nrse, he was one of the most 
a^'reeable and pleasant gentlemen I ever met. He was 
affable, natural and simple, and always sociable, witty 
and humorous. There was no assumption of dignity, 
oi- austerity of manner about him, in his intercourse 
with his friends and associates. But on the Bench, he 
was often ii-ritable and ca])tious. Throughout the in- 
vestigation of a case, he seemeil always to be hunting- up 
difficulties and taking ex('ej)tions. It was very seldotn 
an order or paper was drawn to suit hiu) by the counsel 
employed in a case. He suggested some alteration or 
a-mendment. Trivial mistakes, which other Judges 
would pass over, were invariably corrected by him, or at- 
tention called to them. This made him, often, unpleas- 
ant on the Bench, and so different from what he was in 
private intercourse. In diawing uj) short petitions and 
orders, which other Chancellors would hear without 
being copied, he invariably required a copy, and would 
postpone theca.se till a copy was made. He was fond of 
lecturing a lawyer on his mode of doing business, and 
making- (suggestions of improvement. On one occasion, 
where I had filed several petitions, instead of bills, he 
said to me it was all wrong, and that I was ruining my 
practice by it, as the fees and costs were much higher in 
bills than petitions. I replied, that it was easiei- to 
draw a petition than a lull, and as to my fees, 1 would 
take care that thev were nt)t diminished. 



Job Johnston. 131 

Chancellor Johnston went toCharleston tohold eoiiit, 
^Jhoitly fifter hits <'lection to the Hench, and was not 
awaie of the stiictness with which Good Friday was 
obseived in that old p]piscopal city. He himself was a 
«Teat and shining- light in the Presbyterian Chnrch. On 
Thiii'sday evening, Mr. Petigrn suggested that, as the 
next day was Good Friday, there would be no court. 
The Chancellor I'eplied veiy taitly that he came to 
Charleston to dispatch the business of the term, and 
not to participate in their holidays. Mr. Petigru said 
it had never been customary to hold court in the city 
on Good Friday. The Chancelloi- observed he was not 
bound by the customs of the city in holding court, and 
should require the officers of Ihe couit to be present the 
next day. Theienpon, Mr. Petigru said, it was not a 
local custom, confined to the city of Charleston, and 
that he had never heard of but one Judge (Pontius 
Pilate) holding court on Good Friday. This nettled 
the (^hancelloi-, and his order was peremptory, but the 
next day no one was in attendance on the court, and 
through necessity the business was adjourned over. 

Chancellor Johnston was a native of South Carolina, 
and I think born in Chester District. He graduated in 
the South Carolina College, and read medicine befoie he 
commenced his law studies. I have heard that he did 
not relish any allusion to his medical studies, and once 
knocked a fellow down for calling hhn "Doctor." He 
and Chief Justice O'Neall were some years partners in 
the practice of law, and I have understood that they 
did not speak to each other for some time during their 
partnership. I know that they were not very cordial 
in after life. It was a strong firm, and both lived at 
Newberry court house. They were both elected to the 
Bench Avithin a few ^ears of each other, and were after- 
wards on the Appeal Bench together. I do not think 
Chancellor Johnston was evei- a member of the Legisla- 
ture. He was elected to the State Convention in 1831, 



132 Job Johnston. 

and was a prominent member of the Nullification party. 
But he sorely regretted the revolutionary movement in 
18G0. 

I have stated the repn<j:nance the Chancellor had to 
being called "Doctor." He had equal repugnance to 
his Christian name "Job," and I saw him ei-aseit once 
from the Commissioner in Equity's journal of the pro- 
ceedings in court. The officei- in reading the minutes of 
the preceding day's business, stated that Chancellor Job 
Johnston was presiding. T'here were at that time on 
the Chancery Bench David Johnson and Job Johnston. 
The Commissioner thought it proper to distinguish the 
Chancellors by their Christian names. This was unnec- 
essai'y, as their names wei-e spelt differently, the one be- 
ing Johnston and the other Johnson. Immediately 
after the minutes were read. Chancellor Johnston called 
for the book and i-an his pen through the word Job. 

In riding the circuit '^hancellor Johnston would 
always make the lawyei-s traveling in company with 
him drive ahead. He was afraid that some of their 
horses might run away, and in such a case he thought 
it safer to be behind. It was some time after railroads 
were constructed before he would consent to ride over 
them. He had an apprehension of danger and thoujiht 
it an unsafe way of traveling. No one ever had a 
greater horror of bed bugs than the Chancellor. If he 
saw one or imagined he felt one in his bed there was no 
more sleep for him that night, unless he took his blanket 
and slept on the floor. He always sat u\) till a late 
hour in the night, yevy often till one or two o'clock, and 
then slept late in the morning. At one of the hotels on 
his Circuit he discovered his mortal enemy in great 
force when he retired to bed, and prom])tly determined 
to withdraw from the would-be field of battle that night. 
He went into the dining room adjoining his bed cham- 
ber, and made his })allet under one end of a, long dining 
table, which extended across the room. His faithful body 



Job Johnston. 133 

servant always had ordeis not to let him be disturbed 
in the morning until he woke up. Faithful to his trust 
he took his seat near his master, and would not let the 
waiters disturb him whilst they were setting the table 
for breakfast. Bieakfast came in and the boarders 
seated themselves at one end of the table, whilst the 
Chancellor slept soundly under the other end, undis- 
turbed. 

There was an old hotel at Winnsboro, which had been 
Lord Cornwallis' headquarters for son)e time during the 
Revolutionary war. It became terribly infested with 
the Chancellor's most horrible nuisance. The next 
morning, after an efl'ort to sleep in one of the rooms of 
this hotel, the Chancellor said to mine host: '"Do you 
know, sir, that you have a great fortune in this house?" 
The hotel keepei- expi-essed his ignoranceof the fact, and 
begged the Chancellor to explain. He said: "You 
know that your house was headquarters for Lord Corn- 
wallis and his otficers during the Revolutionary war?" 
Mine host replied "that he had heard so." "You are 
also aware that Congress has passed an act giving a 
pension to all who fought in that war and especially to 
all those who drew English blood?" "Yes, he had un- 
dei-stood such a law had been passed by Congress." 
" Well," said the Chancellor, "you have thousands and 
thousands in this house, who were here, I am satisfied, 
from last night's experience, during its occupancy by 
Lord Cornwallis, every one "of whom doubtless drew 
English blood in their nightly battles with the Genei'al 
and his staff, and they are all entitled to a pension un- 
der the act of Congress." 

Chancellor Johnston told me that his first wife, a 
JVJivSs Randal, was his own cousin, and for many years he 
had an a]tpi'ehension that some of his children might be 
born deaf, blind or deformed, and that his fiist enquiry 
was, at the birth of every child, "is it all right?" This 
apprehension was not groundless, for the statistics of 



134 Job Johnston. 

the deaf, dumb and blind, show that the g^reater por- 
tion of the unfortunates are the children of parents who 
were related in blood. Insanity, too, has been the fre- 
quent consequence of such marriages, in their oftsprino". 
But all of the Chancellor's children were perfect in this 
respect. 

The Judges of South Carolina have verified the sayin*^ 
that some one applied to lawyers: "They live well, 
work hard and die poor." But Chancellor Johnston 
had accumulated a very handsome estate before his 
death. Whether it was wrecked in the late civil war, 
I am not able to say. 

The Chancellor was an uncommonly fine looking gen- 
tleman, tall, well proportioned, with a most conmiand- 
ing presence, and a bright, genial face, beaming with life, 
intelligence and sociability. Intellectually, South Caro- 
lina has produced few superior men. But never having 
engaged in political life, his talents and ability were lit- 
tle known abroad. 





JOHNSTON'S WIFE OF LOUISIANA." 

^HE editors of the Charleston News and Courier, 
have recently reproduced this exquisitely beauti- 
ful sono', written by the Hon. Warren R. Davis, whilst 
he was in Conj»ress, nearly half a century since. It is a 
parody on "Roy's Wife of Aldavaila," and was p:reatly 
a.dmiied when first })ublished. I have not seen this 
" famous old son«>" for forty years past — I return my 
thanks to the editor of the News and Courier for its re- 
production. 

Whilst editing the Greenville Mountaineer, in 1835,1 
collecteil and published shortly after the death of Mr. 
Davis, a. great deal of his poetry. It was fui*nished me 
by Winchester Fostei', Sheriff of Pendleton District, who 
was a very intimate fiiend of the poet. Whilst lyingon 
his sick bed, he dictated to Mi*. Fostei", or repeated most 
of his fugitive pieces, who wi-ote them down, and gave 
me the manuscript. Not long since I made search 
amongst my old file of newspapers for this poetry, but 
could not find it. 

Waiien R. Da vis was a distinguished lawyer, a mem- 
ber of Cong]-ess and an ac»:om])lishe(i gentleman of 
leaiMiing and talents. He had a great deal of poetiy in 
his composition, and some of his older songs and fugi- 
tive pieces were very beautiful and greatly admii-ed. 
He was a boon companion, and loved by all his friends 
and acquaintances. He was also a very handsome gen- 
tlenmii, and quite a, beau among the ladies in Washing- 
ton. He there met Mis. Johnston, the wife of the Hon. 
Josiah S. Johnston, who was then a Senator in Con- 
gress from the State of Louisiana, and wrote the follow- 
ing lines on her which the editors of the News and 
Courier have appropriately termed "afamous old song." 



136 "Johnston's Wife of Louisiana/' 

A Famous Old Song. 

Johnston's wife of Louisiana! 
Johnston '8 wi*e of Louisiana! 
The fairest flower that ever bloomed 
In southern sun or gay Savannah. 
The Inca's blood flows in her veins, 

The Inca's i-oul her bright eyes lighten. 
Child of the Sun, like him she reigns 

To cheer our hopes, and sorrows brighten, 
Johnston's wife of Louisiana ! 
Johnston's wife of Louisiana ! 
The fairest flower that ever bloomed, 
In Southern sun or gay Savannah. 

Johnston's wi^e of Louisiana ! 
Johnston's wife of Louisiana ! 
She hath a way to win all hearts 
And bow them to the shrine of Anna. 
Her mind is radiant with the lore 

Of ancient and of modern story. 
And native wit of richer store 

Bedecks her with its rainbow glory. 
Johnston's wife of Louisiana ! 
Johnston's wife of Louisiana! 
She hath a way to charm all hearts, 
And bow them to the shrine of Anna ! 

Johnston's wife of Louisiana ! 
Johnston's wife of Louisiana. ! 
The hapless bard who sings her praise 

Now worships at the shrine of Anna ! 
'Twas such a vision, bright but brief. 

In early youth his true heart rended 
Then left it, like a fallen leaf. 

On life's most rugged thorn suspended. 

Johnston's wife of Louisiana ! 

Johnston's wife of Louisiana ! 

The hapless bard who sings her praise 

Wept tears of blood for such as Anna. 

I had^J; the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Johnston, at 
ex-President Van Buren's, in 1846. She was then Mrs. 
Gilpin, the wife of Mr. Van Buren's Secretary of the 
Treasury, and resided in Philadelphia. Her first hus- 
band was blown up on board of a steamboat, shortly 
after the publication of Davis' parod3^ When I saw 
her, she must have been thirty-five or forty years old, 
and her beautv was on the wane. But her features vverfii 



"Johnston's Wife of Louisiana." 137 

classic, and the expression of her countenance was sweet 
and "charmin«:." Her person was slender and delicate, 
about the ordinary heijiht, and jiiaceful. Her complex- 
ion was pale and not very fail*. Her eyes were ordina- 
rily brio-ht and nothino; more. In her manners, I 
thouoht she was sedate, and i-ather grave. Davis' song 
of "Johnston's Wife of Louisiana," was in my n)ind the 
whole time I was in her company, and I was earnestly 
observing her features and manners. I could not dis- 
cover any of the"lnca's blood" in her appearance, or 
any traces of her royal descent in her countenance. 1 
presume all this had been worn out generations since. 
Nor have I ever understood on what grounds she claims 
her descent from the childien of the Peruvian Sun or the 
royal Incas of that nation. It may have existed only 
in the poet's imagination. But the loveliest and most 
fascinating of the female ssex, after they reach the mature 
age of thirty-five or forty, are not true representatives 
of what they were at eighteen or twenty. I have fre- 
quently thought and said it was a great shame that 
women could not retain their youth and l)eauty as long 
as they lived. 

The poet, after describing Johnston's wife of Louisi- 
ana, as possessing "a way to charm all hearts, and bow 
them to her shrine," says : 

" 'Twac such a vision, bright but brief 
In earlv youth his t'ue heart rended." And 

"The hapless bard who sings her praise, 
Wept tears of blood for such as Anna." 

These lines are beautiful enough to have been founded 
in truth, and they express feeling enough to warrant 
this conclusion. 

The tradition is that the Hon. Warren R. Davis was 
deeply enamored, "in early youth," with one of South 
Carolina's most beautiful and fascinating belles, who 
afterwards became the wife of his intimate friend. Gov- 
ernor McDuffie. She was the lady at whose shrine "the 
hapless bard wept tears of blood." 1 remember hearing 



138 "Johnston's Wife of Louisiana." 

the father of this lady invite Mr. Dnvis to spend the 
eveiiinji' witii liim, which he promptly declined. The 
father then urged his invitation, and said, "my family 
will nil be happy to see you." But "the true heai-t 
rended, and left like a. fallen leaf, on life's most ruji'ii-ed 
thorn suspended," was firm in its refusal to meet again 
its lady love, when hei- hand was pledged to another! 
Ti-ue it is, that "the heart that onee fondly loves, can 
never foi-get." I have always admired the noble reply 
of "old Sarah" Duchess, of Marlborough, when her 
hand was asked in niai-iiageby oneof England's highest 
Peers. She said : " Marlborongh's widow can never be 
the wife of another man." 

Cannot the editoi-s of The News and Courier furnish 
its readers with some more of Davis' poetry? The Hon. 
Lyman C. Dra]»er, of Madison. Wisconsin, who is writing 
the life of (Jeneral Sumtei-, has written to me to try and 
pi-ocure foT- him a co|>y of an ode by Davis, on the cross- 
ing of the Wateree, by Snmtei-'s Biigade. If any one 
has a complete fileof theCireenvilleMonntaineer in 1835, 
he will find in it the collection of Davis' poetry which I 
made. But that collection is far fron? being coin[)lete. 
1 know it did not contain a vt^vy pretty piece on "Miss 
Anna Gourdin," and which I believe never was in print. 
Mr. Davis wrote it one night after attending a ball in 
Greenville, and gave it to a 3'oang man, to father its 
authorship, who sometimes wrote doggerel poetry. But 
the tiick was soon discovered, and Miss Goni'din 
copied the poetry in her album. She afterwards married 
the Rev. Mr. Young, of Charleston, and I believe, is still 
living. 

The Hon. Warren R. Davis died in Washington city, 
in 1835, a bachelor! The "true heart rended," never 
healed or united with another. The " bright vision" of 
early youth, which ha I "a way to win all hearts" and 
" bow them to her shrine," exhausted the treasure of his 
love. 



lAMES KENT. 



HANCELLOR KENT is known to the whole oivil- 
4 izH(l world H!S a rlistirio:iiiHhed jurist and ooninien- 
tatoi- on Enjilish and Atneiioan law. His der-isions ai'e 
quoted and his ( oniinentajies read wherever the com- 
nioti law is known and prafticed. Few men in America 
orEn«i,land ha ve left behiml thenj a more enviable repu- 
tation as a Jud«>e, Chan(!ellor and judicial writer. He 
presided in the law court of New York sixteen yeai-s, 
and ten years as Chief Justice. He was then elected 
Chancellor of that liieat State, and continued to serve 
in that hijj-h office till he ai-iived at the a*»e of sixty, 
when he had to retii'e frotn the Bench, undei' the pro- 
vision of th^" State Constitution, limiting the judicial 
teiMu to that aiie. He then became Professor of Law in 
Columbia Colle<iv, New Yoi-k, and delivered a seiies 
of lectures to numerous classes for sevei-al years. These 
lectui-es wei-e afterwai-ds published in his" Commentaries 
on Amei-ican Law." No law work ever published in the 
United States had such a run as these commentaries^ 
they passed throu^'h ten editions before the death of 
tlieir author. They became to the American lawyer 
what Blackstone'sCotnmentaries had been to the Eii<>lish 
lawyer. Chancellor Kent was born in the State of New 
York, Putna.m County, July 31, 17G3. His father was 
a lawyer, and for a number of years Sarro,i;'ate or Pro- 
bate Jud^e of Rensselaer County. The Chancellor grad- 
uated at Yale College, in his eighteenth year, and was 
admitted to the Bar in 1785, being- then twenty-two 
yeai-s old. It is said that he "soon became remarkable 
among his contemporaries for his legal learning and 
literary attainments." He was elected a member of the 
Legislature in 1790 and 1792, and became an active 



140 Jamks Kent. 

and leadiii": Fpderalist. The next year he was a cari- 
didate for Con(iivss. in Durchess County, and defeated. 
Thereupon, he moved to the City of New York, and in 
1796 he was a<iain elected a niend)er oi the State Legis- 
lature from that city. In early life he was the favorite 
of such men as Chief Justice Jay and Alexander Hamil- 
ton. He died in the eiiihty-tifth vi^nr of his a«ie, and re- 
mained in full possesion of his health and mental powers 
up to the period of his death. In 1821 he was a mem- 
ber of the State C(jnvention of New York, and took an 
active pait in the debates on tlieir new Constitution. 
In 183G thei-e was considei-able discussion in South 
Carolirm. on the subject of our judiciary. I was then a. 
member of the Legislature, and thoujiht it would be a 
gi-eat matter to havetheopinioti of so distinouished and 
experienced a JudiieasChancellor Kent on thequestion of 
amalgamatingtheCouitsof Equity and Law; and alsoas 
to the pi-opriety of a se])arate Court of Appeals. I was 
myself in favor of blendino- the juiisdiction of Law and 
Equity in one Court, but keeping the practice and pro- 
ceedings in Law and Equity separate and distinct, 
though administered by the same Judge. I was also 
in favor of a separate Court of Appeals, to hear all ap- 
peals in Law and Equity, instead of the Circuit Judges 
meeting to hear apjx'als at law, and the Chancelloi-s 
meeting to dispose of appeal in Equity. I therefore 
wrote to Chaiicelloi' Kent, asking him to give me his 
views on these important questions. In reply to my 
letter, he kindly wrote me as follows, but with the in- 
junction that I was not to publish his letter at that 
time; but I can see no impropriety now in giving pub- 
licity to the vifiws which he then expressed. They will 
be read with interest b^^ those who have given any con- 
sideration to the establishment of our judiciary system. 
Mr. Petigru was a member of the Legislature at that 
time, and bitterly opposed to uniting the two jurisdic- 
tions in one court. He was emphatically a conserva- 



James Kent. 141 

tive in all things, and had the highest regard for the 
English system of jurisprudence. I well remember thfe 
dissatisfaction he expressed as Chairman of the Judi- 
ciary Committee, when my Bill to blend the Courts of 
Equity and Law came up for consideration before his 
Committee. He said: "Have we at last come to the 
humiliation of considering the question of ' amalga- 
mation?'" What would this proud old conservative 
lawyer say now, if he were alive, to the radical changes 
which have been made in our laws, our practice and our 
courts, under the present regime in South Carolina? 

New York, Aug. 4, 1836, 
Dear Sir— I have the pleasure of acknowledging your 
obliging letter of the 20th ult., and I should have done 
it sooner, had not my absence from the city for some 
weeks detained the letter from me until a day or two 
ago. 

I have attended to the questions you state, but I have 
a very grent reluctance to give my opinions, unless (jon-^ 
fidentially and privately, on great political and consti- 
tutional points, and measures which are to undergo 
public discussion. If such questions came before me in 
any situation and under an}^ character in which it be- 
came a duty to speak, no person would do it with more 
promptitude and frankness; but I do not like to be in- 
trusive, or appear to set anv great value on my own 
speculations. The two questions you state are very 
grave and debatable questions. The first question is, 
whether the Courts of Law and Equity ought, in sound 
wisdom and true policy, to be blended in the same ti'ibu- 
nal, though under the restriction of keeping the suits Hud 
proceedings in Law and Equity distinct, as though they 
were the records of two distinct jurisdictions; or whether 
they ought to be totally distinct tribunals, as on the 
English model. 
Now, I do not think it would become me to be dog- 



142 James Kent. 

niatie on this question. Statesmen are much divided in 
opinion concerning it, and our opinions are very much 
the creatures of education and practice. 

I was educated in a. State which followed closely the 
English model until 1828, and I have tried practically 
both systems, when kept perfectly separate, being ten 
years Chancellor without any chancery power in the 
Supreme Court any more than in theO. B., and being ten 
years Chancellor without any more connection with or 
influenced l)y Courts of Law than the English Chancellor. 
It was to be expected that I was for that system, and 
would be adverse to the scheme introduced by the New 
York Convention, in 1821, of blending the system in a 
partial degree. My s])eeches in that convention were 
against it, and the^' are to be seen in the debates of New 
York Convention, published in 1821. That conveution 
left the Chancellor as he new exists with much abridg- 
ment of his sole and vast Equity powers, and with a, 
deposit of part of it concurrently in circuit courts, held 
by common law judges. This mixed jurisdiction pre- 
vails to this day ; but, whatever be the cause, the a.d- 
minislration of justice in this State in Equity is ex- 
tremely dilatory, and not popular with the profession. 
Nor is the administration of justice at law so efficient 
and influential and populai- as it was formerly under the 
nisi-prius system, when the Judges of the Supreme 
Court rode the circuits. Thei'e is so great a diversity in 
the organization of the c(jurts of Law and Equity in 
the several States, that we cannot resort for authority 
to the practice in one State, for in the very next State, 
])ei-haps, we meet with a contrary authority. There 
are but very few States in which Equity jurisdiction re- 
sides so absolutely in one tribunal as in England, to a 
great degree; and as it did in New York most entirely 
and absolutely, the whole time I was Chancellor. 

It is certain, that I am for the old system, both as to 
chancery and as to the nisi-prius system at law ; and it 



James Kent. 143 

is equally certain that the current of the times has set 
decidedly the other way, and if we were to have another 
convention in this State, I believe they would abolish 
the court of chancery as a separate tribunal. The times 
ai'e revolutionary — alarminj>ly so. All old priuci- 
pies of law and liberty, and all the notions of the ancient 
saoes in this country and elsewhere are discarded and 
despised, and ultraism is the spirit of the day in every- 
thiuir. I endeavor to stand super antiquas vms, and 
adhere to the notions of government and constitutional 
policy, and jurisprudence that swayed the wise men of 
this country from 1787 to the beginning- of the present 
century. But I stand in comparative solitude, and al- 
most all my contemporaries who entertained the same 
opinions that I did, and imbibed them from the same 
fountains, are swept away. 

I perceive that I have anticipated your second ques- 
tion also; and now, as to what I would do if I were in 
your place, I should be influenced by circumstances, and 
strive for the best practical system. The mixed tribu- 
nal of Law and Equity prevails in Scotland, in the 
English Court of Exchequer, and in the Courts of most 
of the States ; and I should not be tenacious of my own 
views, if I found that they were not palatal)le and would 
not be adopted. J unt so \\\th the nisi-prius system. I 
have no doubt that Judges of the Supreme Court riding 
circuits, and acting singly, gives vigor and dispatch to 
business, and adds weight to the Court and saves great 
trouble and delay when they are at the Bar to explain 
on motions for new trials, and on points reserved. It 
certainly worked admirably in New York, not only 
under the Colony administration, but since the Revolu- 
tion, down to 1823, and Judges of the Supreme Court 
had much greater influence and respect than the local 
Circuit Judges now have. However, I am not sure that 
we could go back to that system, if we had a. conven- 
tion to review our system. The other is more popular 



144 James Kent. 

because more diffusive, weak and accessive. It is proba- 
bly as good as the doctrines and impulses of the times 
will tolerate, and I should be willing to acquiesce in any 
plan that will keep us from more radical changes. 

I write confidentially for the reason already suggested, 
and I beg leave to add the assurances of my respect 
and esteem. James Kent. 

B. F. Perry. 



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FRANCIS LIBBER. 

1^ BECAME acquainted with Doctor Francis Lieber 
I whilst I was a member of the South Carolina Leji;is- 
lature, and the Doctor was professor of History and 
Political Economy in the South Carolina Collefj-e. I had 
introduced a bill in the Leo-islatui-e to establish a peni- 
tentiary system in South Carolina, which attracted 
Doctor Lieber's attention and lead to our acquaintance. 
He was a ^veat advocate of moral reform, and thought 
ignorance and want of moral culture made most of the 
criminals in the world. He believed that a bad man 
might become a good man, and he thought hanging 
about as poor a use as any government could make of 
its citizens. The Doctor invited me to dine with him, 
and talk over the subject. I got him to write a pam- 
phlet in recommendation of the systetn. First, I wrote 
to Governor Noble to write the Doctor, and request his 
views for publication on the propriety of establishing a 
penitentiary system. 

The political excitement which sprung up immediately 
afterwards, drew us closer together. He was an uncom- 
promising Union man. When I established the only 
Union paper in South Carolina, in 1851, the Doctor 
wrote a great many most able and valuable articles for 
it. He is a man of great learning, and has a world- 
wide reputation. He can work, read and write all day, 
and all night, too, if necessary. He is a man of strong 
and vigorous constitution. He has travelled a great 
deal and written a great deal. His travels have been 
over the greater portion of the globe, and his writings 
have embraced almost every branch of human learning. 
The trustees of the College refused to elect him President, 
and he resigned his professorship, and moved to New 
York. This was a great mistake on the part of the 



146 Francis Lieber. 

rustees, giving- up such a man as Dr. Lieber. I did all 
I could to secure his election, and knew that it would 
give reputation to the College. A majority of the ti'us- 
tees thought, however, that he was deficient in admin- 
istrative talent. Some of them, too, were prejudiced 
against him on account of his political principles. 

On the removal of Dr. Lieber to New York, he was 
elected to a professorship in Union College. When I was 
in New York, in 1859, I called to see the old gentleman, 
and found him happ\^ and contented. He was in a 
better latitude for his politics. We spent the evening 
in talking over old times. He had just received an 
autograph letter from Humboldt, which he framed and 
hung up in his library. He had a Latin motto in large 
letters over his door, which expressed the idea, that lib- 
erty was dearer to him than his country. There is no 
doubt that Dr. Lieber's philosophical views and moral 
feelings were all opposed to slavery, whilst he was in 
South Carolina. But he was no abolitionist, in the 
ordinary acceptation of the term. He did not wish to 
disturb the relation which existed between master and 
slave. He, no doubt, thought with Mr. Webster, as he 
expressed himself, at Dr. Gibbe's table, that no change 
could be made which would benefit the slave. He 
thought and declared that the Negro was an inferior 
race to the white man, and never could be elevated to 
his position. 

Dr. Lieber has been oftener and more highly compli- 
mented and honored in Europe, than any other Ameri- 
can citizen, except it be Professor Agassis, of Boston. 
The Doctor was born in Prussia, and had to leave there 
on account of his liberal views and participation in some 
political movement. He was a soldier in the battle of 
Waterloo, and wounded in the foot. He has written ten 
or twelve volumes of the American Encyclopedia, two 
large volumes of political ethics, two volumes on civil 
government, recollections of Nieber, &c., &c. 



Francis Lieber. 147 

Dui'iiig the recent war, Doctor Lieber was a fierce 
Radical, and said and did a great many things which 
greatly displeased his Southern friends. He had one 
son killed in the Confederate army, and another who 
lost an ai'm in the Federal army. I do not know his 
political sentiments since the war. He may be acting 
with the Radical party, but I feel assured he cannot 
approve of the tyranny and usurpations of that party. 
He is a thorough democrat by nature and education, 
loves liberty and republican principles, as his whole life 
illustrates. Nor can I believe that he is in favor of 
Negro supremacy, in the Southern States, or willing to 
see the intelligent and virtuous men of his own race dis- 
franchised. 

Doctor Lieber is a man of plain and simple manners, 
and a most pleasant and agreeable companion. He is 
full of learning and information on all subjects, and was 
regarded in the South Carolina College as a sort of 
walking library. When information was desired on any 
subject, many of his friends would apply to him for it 
instead of going to their books. He is a stout and 
heavy man, formed for strength and labor. He is not 
very graceful in his person, though genteel. Nor is he 
very spruce in his dress. His great massive mind soars 
above such considerations. 




GEORGE G. MEADE. 

hHILST actinji: as Provisional Governor of South 
U^ Carolina, I received a letter from General Gil- 
more, military commander of the State, reqnestinji' me 
to meet General Meade in Columbia. He was the mili- 
tary commander of the Atlantic States, and stationed 
in the city of Philadelphia. We had a long- interview, 
and it was aji'reed that the military authorities should 
no lono-er take co<2:nizance of cases in which white per- 
sons alone were concerned. Where ne*>,-roes were parties, 
they wei-e still to retain jurisdiction till the Legislature 
could repeal the law prohil)iting- colored pei-sons from 
giving testinony in the courts, in cases in which they 
were interested parties. After the repeal of this law, the 
civil courts were to take jurisdiction of all cases. 

I remonstrated strongly against the negro troops be- 
ing scattered over the State, and stated that they were 
everywhere committing outi-ages on society. Genei-al 
Meade said he could withdraw all colored troops from 
the interior of the State, and place them in forts and 
garrisons on the sea coast, where they could do no mis- 
chief. He expressed an eai-nest desire to get I'id of all 
negro troops entirely, but said it would have to be done 
gradually, so as not to offend public sentiment at the 
North. During the whole of our interview, General 
Meade expressed himself in regard to the South, in terms 
highly honorable to him as an officer and a patriot. I 
was very favorably impressed with him, and thought 
that he was the soul of honor and chivalry. I did not 
believe it })ossible for such a mail to play the cruel 
tyrant and oppressor of his race and country, as he 
afterwards did whilst in command of the military dis- 
trict of Georgia. 
He expressed feelings of sympathy, to me, for the 



George G. Meade. 149 

South, which greatly attached nu- to him, and I thou^-ht 
hi in the beau ideal of military honor. He spoke of the 
battle of Gettysburo-, and said tht^ war on<^ht to have 
ended with the retreat of (ieneral Lee into Virginia. 
That all hope of Sontliern independence was then gone, 
and the continuance of the war was a. cruel sacrifice of 
human life. I thought to myself, that if the war had 
then ended, General Meade, and not General (Jrant, 
would have been the great hero of the war. How far 
this may have influenced his judgment, T am not able to 
say. But surely the Confedeiate States did a grea.t deal 
of hard fighting after the battle of Gettysburg, and 
were successful on ma.ny occasions after that. 

General Meade was dressed in full uniform, and I 
thought him as fine a looking an officer as I had ever 
seen. I met him afterwards, at the depot in Philadel- 
phia, dressed vei-y shabbily in citizen's clothes, with an 
old straw hat on, and it was hard for me to realize that 
he was the same person whom I had met twelve 
months before in Columbia, dressec] as a Major General 
of the United States. He did not appear to be as tall 
by several inches, and his courtly air and manner were 
gone. 

The sister of General Mea,de married Captain Huger, 
who died gloriously defendingtheConfedei-ate flag below 
the city of New Orleans. She died, and left two sons, 
who were with Mr. Alfred Huger, in Columbia. General 
Meade went to see them, and insisted on taking them 
with him to educate and bring up. But Mr. Huger, 
though in great poverty, could not tolerate the idea of 
giving up the children of his adopted son, to be carried 
to the North to be bi-ought up and educated. The Gene- 
ral spoke kindly of Mr. Huger's feelings of delicacy and 
protection on the subject after his return from the visit. 

The conduct of General Meade in Georgia has taught 
me to believe that very few military men are fit for civil 
government, or can appreciate Republican principles. 



WILLIAM D. MARTIN. 



II FIRST .saw Judge Martin vvhildst he was Clerk of the 
J Senate in Columbia, but never had any acquaintance 
with him till after his election to Congress. He was a 
man of fine personal appearance, good address, and 
possessed great conversational powers. He was an 
eminent lawyer and had a ver^- high standing in Con- 
gress. It is said that he would have been elected 
Speaker of the House of Representatives if he had con- 
tinued in Congress. He was the model of a good circuit 
Judge, and died whilst holding court in Charleston. He 
went to bed in perfect health, and the next morning 
when his body servant went into his room, he found him 
dead. His death was caused by apoplexy. He died 
during our greatest j)olitical excitement, and his oppo- 
nents manifested the highest regard for his character, 
and the dee})est regi-et at his death. I was at that time 
(iditing a Union paper, and received from Mr. Petigru 
an obituary notice of him. He spoke of him with the 
affection of a brother, and the admiration of a warm 
personal fi-iend, though they were strongly opposed in 
politics. They had practiced law together many years 
in the same place, always employed on opposite sides, 
and lever had a word's difference or an unkind feeling. 
If one of them was not ready in a case, he had only to 
say so to the other, and the case was continued without 
affidavits. How very pleasant, honorable and high- 
toned gentlemen may make their practice, and how disa- 
greeable it may become between pettifogers. 

In court Judge Martin presided with great dignity and 
courtesy. He dispatched the business with great 
promptness, and always with satisfaction to the bar. 
Whilst on the circuit, ho was very communicative to the 



William D. Maktin. 151 

lawyers and others He had a great deal to say about 
the proceed iugs of Congress and the members of that 
body. In speaking of the prominence of Governoi' 
Hamilton in the House of Representatives, he said it 
was mainly owing to his great talent as a partisaii 
leader, and the fortunate period at which he entered 
Congress — the organization of the Jackson party. He 
said Tazewell, of Virginia, was the greatest talker in the 
world, and could talk as well on one side of a question 
as the othei'. He would talk, too, on any subject, to 
any one who uould listen to him for hours. Tazinvell 
was very honest, but so fond of disputation that it was 
accidental which side of a question he took in debate. 
His talents were of the highest order. 

"Webster," said the Judge, "wasscarcely treated with 
civility by the Southern members. I never see him with- 
out being reminded of the leaders of the French Revolu- 
tion. He has the appearance of aMirabeau. I thought 
afterwards, when I saw Mr. Webster, that Judge Mai-tin 
had done him great injustice. His countenance was 
grave and heavy, but by nomeansferocious or disagree- 
able. His complexion was dark, his eyes very large and 
deeply sunk in his head. "Van Buren," said the Judge, 
"is always courting his enemies and opponents. If any- 
one was to go to him in the Senate, and tell him that a 
certain member of Congress did not like him, he would 
have that member by the arm as soon as the Senate 
adjourned." 

When Judge Martin was elected to the Bench, there 
were several ballotings, and very close ones between him 
and Col. Thomas Williams, of York District. The eve- 
ning the election was made. Judge Martin ai-rived in 
Columbia with his famil3^ on his way to Washington. 
He was then a member of Congress, and continued to 
serve out that session after his election to the Bench. 
The next evening I met him at a lai-ge party at Gove- 
nor Miller's, and some one congratulated him on his 



152 William D. Martin. 

arrival in Columbia juHt in time to receive his judicial 
honors. He replied that he had an-ived just as he was 
whipped throu2:h the polls. Jud^e Earle had been 
elected on the first ballot at the same time. There being 
two vacancies to be filled. 

Judge Martin was once conversing with me about 
Judge Huger, and said he had heard the Judge say when 
(he) Martin, was a very young nm,n,that no one shonld 
enter public life without a fortune. He said at that 
time he thought this was a great heresy of an old aris- 
tocrat, and it made his young ambitious blood a little 
indignant in its poverty. But that he had long been 
satisfied with the wisdom of the remark. If his life was 
to go over again he would act on it. 

In speaking of Mr. Petigru, the Judge said that his 
voice and manner at the Bar, and before a jury, were 
woi'th a great deal in the management of his cases. In 
the trial of a case at Walterborough, the Judge's title 
depended on an old deed, which was properly executed, 
but a good deal mutilated. I'etigru took the deed, put 
his finger through one of its holes, turned it around to 
the jury, and made such sport of it, that the Judge lost 
the case. I remember once in the Legislature Mr. Peti- 
gru kept the whole House in a burst of laughter for 
several minutes, by simply reading a resolution to 
incorporate a jockey club. There was nothing peculiar 
in the language, and had the resolution been read by 
any one else, it would not at all have attracted the 
attention of the House. 

Judge Martin died in the prime of life. He was twice 
married. His last wife was a 3'oung lady of Maryland, 
whom he met in Washington. Whilst holding court at 
Greenville, he manifested great impatience to get 
through with the business and return home. And said 
to me, as an apology foi- his impatience, that it was 
natural for an old nmii who had a vounji: wife. 



3 
^ 



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HORATIO SEYMOUR. 



HE selection of Hoiatio Seymour by the Demo- 
cratic Convention as their standai-d-bearer in the 
gi't-cit contest between civil and constitutional liberty 
on the one side, and militai-y despotism on the other, 
shows g;reat wisdom and "ood jud foment. He is a gen- 
tlenian of the highest and Durest character, a profound 
statesman, and a consistent, devoted Democratthroii^h- 
out his whole life. He is in the prime of his manly intel- 
lect, with great expei-ience as an administrative officer, 
having twice filled, with signal ability, the Elxecutive 
chair of the great empire State of this Republic. His 
mind is highly cultivated and enriched with all the 
stores of learning and practical wisdom. In debate, he 
is able and eloquent. His manners are those of a pol- 
ished gentleman, warm, cordial and sincere. In per- 
sonal appearance, he is strikingly prepossessing and 
engaging. His manly form and expi-essive features, are 
stamped with the true nobility of nature. In purpose, 
he is firm and self-reliant. As a gallant leader and 
standard-bearer of the great Democratic party of these 
United States, he cannot be surpassed. 

Governor Seymour did not seek the nomination, but 
it sought him, amongst all the distinguished names 
which were before the convention. After ballotting two 
or three days without success, his name was presented 
to the convention by the great State of Ohio, against 
his wishes and remonstrances, and received the unani- 
mous vote of every State on the first ballot. The high 
honor thus tendered, he could not refuse, but it was re- 
luctantly accepted, for the harmony and success of the 
Democratic party. 

I feel assnred that Governor Seymour was sincere in 



154 Horatio Seymour. 

decliiiin"' the nomination in the first instance. He was 
president of the convention, and when North Carolina 
voted for him, he said, with g;reat earnestness, that he 
was not a candidate, and would not accept the nomi- 
nation. Honor, he said, forbid his doing- so. When he 
was nominated by Ohio, after the withdrawal of Pen- 
dleton, General McCook stated that honor no long:er 
forbid his acceptance. He protested ajrain aj^'ainst his 
nomination. General McCook said that he knew that 
Horatio Seymour did not seek the Presidenc3% but that 
the Presidency sought him. 

This expression of General McCook nmy have been a 
little premature. It will be seen in November next, 
whether the Presidency seeks Governor Seymour or Gen- 
eral Grant, who expressed the same repugnance to his 
nomination by the Republicans twelve months ago. 
If the American people desire to continue in power the 
])resent Republican party, there is an end of the Re- 
public. 

(Note. — The ahove Sketch was written in 1808. just after Mr. Seymour 
was nominated for the Presidency by the Democratic party in the New York 
(Convention ) 



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WILLIAM GILMORE SIMMS. 

iOCTOR SIMMS 18 well known as a poet and novel 
writer, and had his destiny been cast in the North, 
his fame would have been oreater than it is. He would 
not then have had those sectional prejudices to contend 
with as a man of literature. He is a strong Southern 
man, and has offended the North by his political opin- 
ions and love of the South. In i-eturn, the literary men 
of the North have passed him over in silence, in pufRno- 
and euloo-izino- the literature of the United States. Manv 
of his works of fiction are written with great ability, 
and would do credit to any living novelist. They have 
achieved for him, in spite of all prejudice, a high reputa- 
tion as a graphic delineator of character and events. 
He has done tor South Carolina what Sir Walter Scott 
did for Scotland and Scottish history. The scenes of 
most of his tales are laid in South Carolina, and he has 
incorporated in them a great deal of our colonial and 
Revolutionary history. He has also been a prolific poet, 
but 1 do not think his poetry has been appreciated by 
the American public as his novels have. 

Doctor Simms is a native South Carolinian, and loves 
his State with all the fervor of a true patriot. He com- 
menced his literary career as the editor of a paper in 
Charleston, shortly after his admission to the Bar. The 
pleasures of literature stole him from his profession. 
He gave it up, and devoted himselfto fiction and poetry. 
He met with great success in his earlier efforts, and in 
the better days of the Republic. His works are well 
known, and they are voluminous. Besides romances 
and poetry, Dr. Simms has written the history of South 
Carolina, and other valuable books. The degree of 
LL. D. was conferred on him on account of his learning 
and reputation as a writer. 



156 William Gilmore Simms. 

The Doctor was ori<2:iim11y a Uni(in man, and co- 
operated with the Union party of South Carolina for 
many years. He nltiniately gave in his adhesion to the 
secession party, and bec-ime a. tei-rible disunionist. 
During the war which ensued, he h:)st all of his property, 
and had his dwelling house and valuable and extensive 
library destroyed by tire. 

Doctor Simnis has been a, member of the South Caro- 
lina Legislature, and in that V)ody took a prominent 
part as a speaker in all the debates. He spoke well, and 
always commanded the attention of the House. He has 
also delivered a course of lectures on histoi-y, both at 
the North and in the South, v ith considerable success. 
He is a great talker, and T have known few persons who 
talked better. He is a most genial and boon companion. 
In appearance, he is tine looking, and possesses fine 
manners. 

T have been on terms of intimacy with the Doctor for 
many years. He once wrote me about coming to Green- 
ville to deliver his course of lectui-es on history. I wrote 
him, in reply, that we had very little literary taste in 
Greenville, and I did not think that he would meet with 
that success which his lectures merited. But that if he 
would bring with him a show of any kind, a circus, or a 
number of monkeys, I could insure him success. This 
disgusted the Doctor so much, that he passed through 
Greenville without stopping. 

In a preface to one of his lectures in New York, just 
before the war, he said to his audience, that he heard 
the complaint, everywhere, that they were governed by 
the South. In reply to this accusation, he told them, 
that when he witnessed their wealth and prosperity, 
their commerce and manufactures, their schools and col- 
leges, their railroads, towns and villages, and all their 
works of art and improvements, they ought to thank 
their God for such government. If he could have fore- 
seen the government of the South, under the rule of the 




rap 



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ANDREW W. THOMSON. 

[^^ HIS gentleman was at the time of his death, the 
^ oldest practicing lawyer in the State. He seemed 
to be, when I last saw him, in a ripe old age, with body 
and mind well preserved, and as full of life and spiiit as 
he ever was. His death was very sudden. I knew 
Wallace Thomson, as he was generally called, about 
forty years, and had a great deal of intercourse with 
him on the circuit, and in Columbia, attendingtheCourt 
of Appeals, and the sessions of the Legislature. He was 
a member of the Legislature, with the exception of a few 
terms, from 1824, up to the period of his death, a few 
years since. We have passed manj- pleasant houis to- 
gether, and had a. great manj' jokes on each other. He 
was a genial, sociable and warmed-hearted gentleman. 
He was kind and generous, and hospitable. I had foi* 
him throughout our whole acquaintance, a very sincere 
regard ; and nothing ever occurred, at the bar, or in the 
Legislature, or in our private intercourse, to nmr or in- 
terrupt for a moment our kind feelings and regard for 
each other. 

Mr. Thomson was born in Maryland, but brought up 
and educated in South Carolina. I have heard it said, 
as a remarkable fact, that all of the Marylandei-s who 
have figured in South Carolina, were somewhat eccentric 
or had singular traits of character. In illustration of 
the truth of this assertion, reference was made to Judge 
Gantt, Caleb Clark, for man}' years Solicitor of the mid- 
dle circuit, Major Smart, apracticinglawyeratCamden, 
and A. Wallace Thomson. Mr. Thomson was, in somi^ 
respects, different from ordinary men, and supeiior to 
ordinary men. He was the most pertinacious man in 
clinging to his opinions that I ever met, and some of his 



162 Andrew W. Thomson. 

notions were very crude and outre. At the Bar be could 
see and make more points in liis case than any other 
lawyer. Tlie opposite counsel, and the court too, 
thought frequently the points made, were no points at 
all. But if His Honor decided against him, he was sure 
to take an appeal. I once knew him to appeal in a case 
when the Judge had decided everything in his favor. 

Mr. Thomson was a well read lawyer, and a good law- 
yer. He had a very extensive practice at Union, York, 
Chester, Spartanbuig and Laurens, in hisyoungerdays, 
but as age crept on him, I noticed that his practice fell 
off. Clients generally think that a young lawyer has 
more energy and zeaJ in conducting a case, than an old 
one, and they are not far from being correct. Shortly 
after the termination of the war, 1 attended Union 
Court, which is out of my circuit, to attend to an 
important case there, and was surprised to see that my 
friend Thomson was nearly out of practice in the Equity 
Court. Younaer lawyers had monopolized the business. 
There is a time for all things, we are told in the Bible, 
and after being at the Bar for more than half acentury, 
it is time for a lawyer to quit business, and prepare for 
his appearance at the other Bar, where there is no ap- 
peal for him or his clients. 

The first time I ever saw Wallace Thomson was the 
spring after my admission to the Bar. at Spartanburg. 
He was defending Delila Land for stealing feathers. The 
court was sitting in the old jail, and Judge James was 
presiding. The old Court House had been torn down, 
and the present building was being erected. I reached 
Spartanburg late Monday morning, in company with 
my old friend, Benjamin Saxon. We went immediately 
to the Court House, or jail, where the court was sitting, 
and as I stepped in, Mr. Thomson was in the midst of 
his argument. I was greatly amused at his speech, the 
character of the case, and the appearance of the court 
and its surroundings. 1 had read, in Blackstone, of 



Andrmv \V. Thomson. 163 

*' Piepoyider Courts," the lowest courts nientioT^ed bj 
the learned eonmientator, as existing!: in England, andl 
was reminded of this humble court. But business was 
not dispatched so quickly. Blackstone says, if I remem- 
ber correctly, the court was so called, because it dis- 
patched business as quick as one could shake dust fi-om 
his feet. Delila was convicted of petty larceny, by a 
jui"y of hei' peers, and Mr. Thomson took an appeal. 
The law then was the Court of Appeals would hear no 
criminal case unless the defendant was present in court 
at the arg:uiiient of the appeal, Delila had to go to Co- 
lumbia, and she walked all the way, about a hundred 
miles. The next fall, Mr. Thomson moved by the hard- 
ship of his client, introduced a bill to dispense with the 
necessity of the defendant being present in the Appeal 
Court, except in case of c^i^/et/ felonies. 

During our political excitement, Mr. Thomson was, in 
the beginning, inclined to be a Union man, but the 
popular current in favor of Nullification and disunion, 
set in too strong for him to resist it. I have frequently 
thought that he was like the converted Jews in Spain, 
mentioned by Borrow, in his interesting book on Spain. 
He said the inquisition had converted them outwardly, 
but at heart they were still Jews, and secretly kept up 
their ancient mode of worship. Mr. Thomson sailed 
under the Nullification flag, but he long entertained a 
tender feeling for the Stars and Stripes. In 1851 and 
1852, when the whole State ws/i going, as Judge Evans 
said, for Secession by default, we started the Southern 
Patriot at Gi'eenville, as a Union paper. Mr. Thomson 
enquired of me when we met at Spartanburg court that 
spring, if I had a copy of the Patriot with me? He took 
it and read it thi-ough, and eagerl.y sought for the 
subsequent numbers. Judge Dawkins was a subscriber, 
and in this way Thoirrson had access to the paper with- 
out incurring the odium of being a subscriber and 
patron of such heresies. That summer I met my friend 



164 Andrew W. Thomson. 

ThoiiKson at a reoimeiital muster in Greenville, and he 
proposed to introduce me to Judoe Farmer, and said 
• he was one of our sort." I replied that I should be very 
fj-lad to see Farmer, for he was an old acquaintance of 
mine. That fall, Governor Manning and Thomson were 
in company with a number of voters in Columbia, who 
were cursino- the Southern Patriot in very strong- terms, 
and some one of the company appealed to Thomson for 
his opinion, as to the character of the paper. The Gov- 
ernor saw that he was in a tight place, and he excused 
himself by saying that he did not take the paper, and 
knew very little about it. When Governor Manning told 
me this, I repeated what Thomson had said at the regi- 
mental muster, and his anxiety at all times to see the 
Patriot. This was too good a joke for me to keep, and 
I told it frequently in Thomson's presence. 

As a member of the Legislature, Mr. Thomson took a 
very active part in all the discussions of the house. He 
was good in making suggestions, and capital in taking 
exceptions. All his associates in the Legislature — and 
they weie very many du]-ingthe forty years he served 
there — had great respect for him. He had hishobbies, 
and odd notions at which we all laughed heartily. He 
was oftei^ fractious, too, but we all took it in good part, 
knowing as we did his really good qualities. He mani- 
fested the same deportment at the Bar, and on one oc- 
i^asion, he and Colonel Herndon got into a regular fisti- 
(mff in open court. A terrible tumult ensued, and the 
<ourt was instantly converted into a great mob. Judge 
Gantt was presiding. He called in the Sheriff to keep 
order. But there was so much excitement no one heeded 
the Judge. All were taking sides for Thomson or 
Herndon, and shouting for one or the other. The Judge 
picked up a constable's staff, and seemed to be standing 
on the defensive. This excited the sympathies of a huge 
bully who was in court, and whilst others were 
espousing one side or the other of the combatants, he 



A.MMJKw U. Thomson. 1 O-") 

died out at the to}) of liis xoice that hr took, sides with 
the Jndo-e. When oidef was restoi'ed. the ('<^)iii't fined 
both of the o-entlenicii tire inindi'ed dolhirs each, and 
scratched their names li om tlie roll of Attorneys. But 
the case went uj) to tlu' Court of Apju'als. and was ad- 
justed in some way. I'homson and Herndon became 
good friends afterwards, and I know that when the Col- 
onel died, Thomson felt his death very niucli. 

To the credit of Mr. Thomson.it may be said, that 
during all the time he was a mendier of the Legislature. 
"he never was a. candidat^' foi- office oi- sought to be a, 
candidate for any ottice within the gift of the Legis- 
lature. He was satistied with being "'the mem- 
ber from Union," whilst his associates w^re scrambling 
for honors and office. Mr. Thomson was in possession 
of a large property before the war. made i»y his honest 
industry, and devotion to his profession. 







DAVID LEWIS WARDLAW. 



r|UDGE WAHDLAW. an emiiieiit lawyer, legislator 
\^ and jurist, a high-toned and honorable gentlenian, 
liteatly esteemed by all who knew him for the (|nalities 
of his head and heai't, departed this life a short time 
since, fnll of years and fnll of honors. The distinguished 
men of South Carolina, they who ga\'e character to the 
State and made liei- ])roudly eminent amongst her peers, 
in a past and better age. ai-e di'opping off one by one. 
as if their ])ure spii-its could bear no longer the present 
demoralization and degradation of her people. Long- 
will it be under the pi-esent corrupt regime and dis- 
honoied public sentiment, before we can hope to see 
their like again in high and honored* positions. Sad in- 
deed is the contrast between the times, in which Judge 
Wardlaw was crowned with the honors of the State, for 
his purity of character, learning, talents and patriotic 
service, and the present age in which all these high and 
noble (pialities are barriei-s to distinction in })ublic life. 

My ac(piaintance with Judge Wardlaw commenced in 
1824. He was then a young lawyer with a high reputa- 
tion at the Bar. He came to Greenville to argue an im- 
])Oitaiit case in which Judge Karle had been employed, 
l)ut felt a delicacy in conducting, as the defendant had 
l)een acting under his legal advice in the case for which 
he was then sued as a tresspasser. I was then struck 
with his modest demeanor, pleasant manners and great 
sociability. His ai-gument in the case was clear, lucid 
and able, as all of his s])eeches at the Bar were in after 
life. I had occasions, after my admission to the Bar, 
to fVel the force and power of his intellect and learning. 
When Judge Earle was elected to the Bench, Judge 
^^'ardla w took his ])lace and fell heir to his professional 



David Lewis WahdIvAW. 1G7 

business in partnersliip with William Choice, Rsq. He 
attended (Ji-eenville Coui't regularly till he wa^s pro- 
moted to a seat on the Bench. We wei-e very often em- 
ployed on different sides of the same case, and some- 
times employed on the same side of the same case. This 
frequently happened iu capital cases. Our association 
in the Legislature was likewise foi- many years. For 
moi'e than twenty-five years I had the pleasure c:)f prac- 
ticing before him as a Judge. Our acquaintance, thus 
intiu)ate, wanted but one year at his death, of being a 
half century. 

I had the pleasure of forming the acquaintance of 
Judge Wai'dlaw's venerable father, the Spring after my 
admission to the Bar. He was then Clerk of the Court 
at Abbeville, and had been for many years. He was 
elected by the Legislature, and continued in office dur- 
ing pleasure, or good behavior. He was a remarkably 
fine looking, courtly old gentleman, and reminded me 
evei'y time I looked at him of the likeness of Jeffei'son! 
There was something strikingly similar in their features. 
He was tall and comnmnding in his appearance, and a 
much larger man than any of his sons. He lived to a 
good old age, and resigned the office of clerk many 
years before his death. 

Judge Wardlaw is said to have been the first child 
born in the village of Abbeville. But this must be a 
mistake, as the County was laid out in 1778, and a 
•'court house, jail, pillory and whipping post " ordered 
to be erected on some suitable place, selected for a 
county seat. The Judge was not born till 1799, and it 
would be an exti-aordinary circumstance for a village to 
exist ten or twelve years in South Ca rolina without a birth 
in it! But he was born, and lived all his life, died in the 
seventy-fifth year of his age, in the village of Abbeville. 
How few great men in America have done this? Indeed, 
there is not one man, great oj* humble, in ten thousand 
who has done so. It was said by an English writer, 



1 ()S David Lkwis Wmihlavv. 

who traveled in the United St.ites, that the Aniei-icans 
were born movini"', lived niovinii', and died nu^vin*;! 
.Iud<>,e ^^'ardla\\• vv a. s ed negated at Dr. Waddell's famous 
.scht)()l, at U'illington, in Al)l)e\ill<' District, where (\il- 
honn, Crawford, MeDiiffie, I'etiurii. Legare, Lorigstreet 
and a howt of othei- great men received their classical 
education. At this school, Judge Wardlaw was distin- 
guised, though a small boy. for his excellence in public 
iS])eaking. He entered the South ('ai'olina College very 
young, and ^laduated wilh the tiist honor of his class. 
What is I'emaikable. his br(>tiici-. Chancellor Wardlaw, 
giaduated the next year, in the same college, and 
leceived the first honoi- of his class. This, 1 will 
venture to say. lias i-arely ha|t[»cned in any otluM* family 
in South ('arolina, or the Cnited States. 

Judge Wardlaw read laVv in the otfi(;e of (JoNernoi- 
Xoble, and formed a ])aitnershi(> with him after his ad- 
mission to the l>ar. Thev continu<'d in ])a,i-tne]ship till 
it was manifest the interest of both to dissolve it. In- 
stead of having only one side of a case, by practicing 
separately, tlie\- might be employed on both sides. 
Whilst they weie jjartners in law . one was President of 
the State Senate, and the othei- Speakei- of the House 
of Repivsenta fives. As a lawyer. Judge Wai'dlaw had 
ifwv ecpials in t he State. He was well read in his ]>i'ofes- 
sion,to()U gie;it jiains in pi-e])aring his cases and ;dways 
argued them with gi-eat ability. He spoke well, t1u<Mitly 
and l()gicall\ . ;ind his language w.is always chaste and 
corr(n-t. He was not a. vehement or imi)assioned 
speakei". and never indulged in rhetorical displays, 
eitiier at the r>aror in the Legisl.it ui-e. His mind was 
essentially louicni. 

In l.s:{(j, I think it was. he was elected Speakei- of the 
House of Representatives. Colonel Davie, Colonel .McX'ord 
and Judge Waidlaw wereall candidates for theSpcniker's 
(^liair. There were twenty or thiity Union members of 
the Hous*'. at that time, and we li.id a consultation as 



David Lewis Waudlaw. 169 

to whom we should cast our votes for Speaker. 1 ur<>e(l 
the claims of Judge Wardlavv, and it was finally deter- 
mined that we should all unite on him. This elected 
him. Never was there a. presiding officer of that House 
who discharg-ed the onerous duties of the chair, with 
more ability, impartiality and dispatch, or more to the 
satisfaction of its members. He was couiteous, digni- 
fied and piompt. No one undenstood parliamentary 
usages better than he did. Whilst Speaker, he compiled 
a book of rules for the Government of the House, 
-fudge Wardlaw was, in no sense of the word, a politi- 
<-ian, but a statesman, wise and pati-iotic, governed by 
principle, and the conviction of his own judgment. 
When he once took his position, he was immovable. 
Neither popular clamor, nor party interest could swerve 
him. I remember, in 1860, when the i-evolutionary ball 
was set in motion. Judge Wardlaw saw the ruin and 
misery which would be the consequence to the State. 
There was a large and excited public meeting at Abbe- 
ville Court House. He attended the meeting and ad- 
dressed it. The friends of separate secession attempted 
to put him down, and silence him by angry demonstra- 
tions. But boldly and unflinchingly he told them he 
would speak and portray the evils which they wei-e 
about to bring on their country. Like a true patriot 
he did all he could to prevent the issue, but when it was 
made, his duty and love of country made him sustain 
it with all his power and influence. 

As a Judge he was eminent among his learned asso- 
ciates on the Bench. I thought he was the model of a 
circuit Judge. He was familiar with all of our statutes 
and the decisions of our courts. He was also pro- 
foundly read in all the law, of the common law, and well 
acquainted with the decisions of the Knglish courts. 
On the Bench he was patient, laborious, courteous and 
dignified. His opinions in the Court of Appeals as re- 
ported in our Law Reports, are a monument of his 



170 David Lewis Wardlaw. 

learniiio', ability and researcli. Their languaoe and 
stjde are eminently judicial, and if they have any fault, 
it may be that they are sometimes too prolix. But 
this was owing to his great anxiety to pi-event any mis- 
construction of his views. I have seen him sit in our 
court vei-y often from nine o'clock in the morning till 
ten, eleven and twelve o'clock at night, with only an in- 
tei'inission of one hour for dinnei-! A singular circum- 
stance once happened whilst he was presiding at Ander- 
son court, showing his sensibility to pain and suffering. 
A doctor- was being examined as to some disease and 
\vound. He minutely described the case, and Judge 
Wardlaw fainted on the bench, whilst taking notes of 
the doctor's testimony. 

Judge Wardlaw was a fine scholar, and his reading 
was very extensive. Hewasfond of polite litei'ature and 
read novels, poetry and reviews with great zest. Whilst 
on the circuit and traveling, he had a singular propen- 
sity of sending to the hotel keeper to send him a book 
to read, leaving the selection of the book to the taste 
of "mine host.'' He said it was amusing very often to 
see the selection made for him. I lemembei'once adopt- 
in^- the Judge's suggestion out of curiosity, and the 
hotel keeper sent me the Bible and Parry's Expedition 
in the Polar Seas. The Judge was a very pleasant and 
agreeable gentlenian in conversation. He was fond of 
chatting with the members of the Bar in the evenini>- 
and talked well. He enjoyed greatly a. good joke and 
laughed over it heartily. In 18G7, we were delegates to 
the Philadelphia Convention and traveled together with 
a good many other gentlemen. The party enjoyed 
themselves as much perhaj)s as ever a party of gentle- 
men did in traveling by railway. In Philadelphia, the 
Judge was robbed of his i)ocket book and fivp hundi-ed 
dollai-s in cash. We were getting on the .sti-eet cars, and 
there was a great rush to mount the platform. A man 
standing in the crowd said to the Judge: "Have you 



David Lewis Wardlaw. 171 

not been I'obbed of vour pocket book T' The Judge felt 
for- his pocket book, and sure enough it was gone. The 
^nan said : "There goes the fellow who I think took it.'" 
They went in pursuit of him, but he gave them the 
dodge. Very likely the man who was so kind in giving 
information was himself the thief. 

In 186G, Judge Wardlaw, Judge Dawkins and the Hon- 
orable Alfred Huger, were sent to Washington, by the 
StateCon vention, to ask the relense of Jefferson Davis. I 
gave him a letter of introducton to President Johnson. 
The Judge was very much pleased with the President. 
He told me that no stranger would have taken Johnson 
for a politician, that he had the appeM ranee and man- 
ners of a student and litei'aiT mtiw- Andrew Johnson 
was all his life a student, and he might be called a self 
taught literaiy man, for he was well informed on most 
subjects, and had read a great deal. 

Judge Wardlaw compiled a very useful book of forms 
for the officers of court. His friends suggested him foi' 
the office of Codifier of the statute laws of South Caro- 
lina, but he would not permit his name to be brought 
f(jrvvai'd in competition with his life-long friend James 
L. PetigTU, to whom the office was assigned by the 
Legislature. Mr. Petigru executed the work with great 
ability, and, although the work was never adopted b3' 
the Legislature, yet it will remain forever a monument 
of the learning and ability of the author. 

Judge Wardlaw married early in life a most beauti- 
and charming lady, who died many years since; but 
true to his early love and devotion to the memory of 
his wife, he never sought to place another in her posi- 
tion. 

Well may Abbeville be proud of her sons. Few dis- 
tricts in the State, if any, have produced such an array 
of talent as Abbeville. She gave birth to Calhoun. 
Cheves, Petigru, Chancellor Wardlaw, Judge Wardlaw, 
Governor Noble, Chancellor Bowie, and was the home 



172 David Lewis VVahdlaw. 

of Mr. MeDuffie from his boyhood. She likewise could 
once claim as her citizen, William H. Crawford, the 
,i>:reatest of all Georgia's great statesmen. 

When the venerable Chancellor DeSaussure resigned 
his office on account of his years and infirmities, he pre- 
sented his sili\ o'own to Judge Wardlaw, who was then 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, and expressed 
a wish that he might be his successor on the Chancery 
Bench. It was greatly to my interest, at that time, to 
have Judge Wardlaw elected and taken out of my way 
at the Bar. I was on terms of gi-eat intimacy with him, 
and had the highest regard for his learning and talents. 
But I voted for Chancellor Dunkin. because I thought 
Charleston was entitled to have a Chancelloi-. where 
most of the chancery business of the State was trans- 
acted. When Judge Gantt resigned. Judge Wardla.w 
was elected to fill his place on the law Bench, without 
opposition, I think. Whilst Judge Wardlaw was on the 
Bench, the trustees of the South Carolina College had to 
elect a Pesident of the College. In casting about for a, 
suitable person, I thought of Judge VVardlaw, and 
mentioned his name to others, who approved my selec- 
tion. His pleasant manners, tact in governing, and 
scholarly attainments, were well suited to make him a 
popular president of the institution. I wrote him urging 
his acceptance of the position, but he promptly declined, 
and Judge Longstreet was elected. 



HENRY C. YOUNG. 



T| HAVE known in the course of my life, now veiging 
13. on three score and ten, nianv worthv and excellent 
men, fair-minded and pni-e-hearted gentlemen, sincere 
in every thought, word and action ; kind, amiable and 
honorable, by nature as well as education ; but I never 
knew one who possessed all these estimable and noble 
qualities in a higher degree than Henry Clinton Young, 
Esq., of Laurens, S. C. It was my uood fortune to have 
been on terms of great intimacy with him for more than 
the third of a century, and to have enjoyed his cordial 
and unbroken friendship during the whole of this period. 
Never, to my knowledge was there a hard or unkind 
feeling between us, and I know there never was on my 
part. We rode the Westei-n Circuit together foi- thirty 
years, and generally employed on opposite sides inmost 
of our practice. There were no railroads in those days, 
and lawyers traveled from court to court, first in theii- 
sulkies, and then, as civilization and improvement pro- 
gressed, in their buggies and carriages. We stopped 
between court houses, at some cool spring, on the road- 
side, and took a lunch, at one or two o'clock ; rested an 
hour or two under a shade if the weather was warm, or 
built a fire if it was cold : cracked our jokes, told oui- 
stories, smoked our cigars (pipes were not then in vogue 
with gentlemen,) and took a glass of wine or a glass of 
brandy. In the same style we traveled to Columbia, 
twice every year, to attend the Court of Appeals 
and the sitting of the Legislature. Mr. Young and 
myself served together many years in both branches 
of the Legislature, and sat at the same desk whilst mem- 
bers of the Senate, and alwa-ys boarded at the same 
hotel. But notwithstanding this intimacy and close 



174 Henry C. Young. 

association for so louj^- a time we differed widely in our 
political views and sentiments. He was a warm and 
zealous Nullifier, Secessionist and Disunionist — whilst 1 
was equally as firm and consistent a devotee to tlie Fed- 
eral Union 

Mr. Youiifi- was born iti North Carolina,, but his father 
moved to Laurens District whilst he was quite a boy, 
and settled at the place afterwards known as "Young's 
Store," where he lived to an advanced old age, and died 
lespected and esteemed by all who knew him. He was a 
planter and merchant and served his District in the 
State Convention of 1832, whilst his son, Heni-y, was a 
iiiember of the Legislature which called the Convention 
together. Li the Legiislature preceding this, all the 
members from Laurens were Union men, except Henry 
C. Young. He was so populai-, and so great a favorite 
with the people, that they elected him in spite of his 
politics. The other leading Nullifiers of Laurens, Gene- 
ral Thoirms F. Jones and Colonel James H. Irby, were 
beaten by Union men. A higher compliment to Mr. 
Young's fairness, integrity and uprightness could not 
have been paid him, for j)arty spirit ran high at that 
time, and was bitter throughout the State. 

Mr. Young's early education was defective, and he 
never graduated, or went to any college. He read law 
at Laurens Court House, and was admitted to the Bar 
when he was twenty-two years old. He formed a co- 
partnership with Colonel Downes, a prominent lawyer 
of his day, with an extensive practice, and for ten years 
Mr. Young never attempted to argue a casein court! 
This always devolved on his senior partner. How many 
young lavv3''eis are kept in the background for years, by 
an injudicious pai-tnership with an old member of the 
Bar? It is always bettei* for a young man to start 
alone in his profession. He soon acquires self reliance 
and the habit of speaking if he has no senior partner. 
In the fall after my admission to the Bar, I went to 



Henry C. Young. 175 

Laurens court with Judg,e Hu^er, aud we (^topped at 
Mr. Harvey Cleveland's. Mr. Yount; called to see the 
Jud^e, after havin<»- argued some important criminal 
casein court that day. The Judge complimented him 
on his speech, and I i-emember Mr. Young said it was 
the first speech he had ever made in couit, although he 
had been practicing law ten years! P^roni that day to 
the day of his retirement from the Bar, Mr. Young never 
failed to argue his cases with great ability and learning- 
He was a very fluent and pleasant speakei-, and always 
spoke with great zeal and animation, tei'sely and to the 
points of his case. I have heard him make many able 
and exhaustive arguments, both on the Circuit and in 
the Court of Appeals. For many years, it may be said, 
he stood at the head of our Bar, and j)erhapshad a more 
extensive practice than any lawyer on the Western 
Circuit. He had a partnei- at every court house on the 
Circuit, and never failed to attend all the courts. 1 have 
no doubt his practice was much more extensive than 
profitable. Local partners may bring business to an 
eminent lawyer, but I doubt whether they bring profit. 
Mr. Young was likewise very negligent in collecting his 
counsel fees and tax costs. Many a lawyer, with his 
practice, would have made five times the money he did. 
His charges were always moderate, much lessthan those 
of other lawyers on the circuit, and then he never made 
any effort to collect his fees, or have settlements with 
his partners. If his clients and paitners saw fit to pay 
him anything, it was very well— and if they did not, they 
were in no danger of being dunned by him. 

Although Mr. Young, aftertenyearssilence, oncoming 
to the Bar, became a great and most successful advo- 
cate in civil and criminal cases, speaking every day, at 
every court he attended— yet, strange to say, he rarely 
if ever attempted to speak in the Legislature. I served 
with him certainly fifteen or twenty years in the Legisla- 
ture, and cannot now recall to my mind a single speech 



176 Henry C. Young. 

that I ever heard him make in either House! This was 
very lemaikable, and no doubt owing", in a great 
measure, to his modesty and diffidence. He was not 
oidy an able lawyer, well read in his profession, but he 
was a gentleman of considerable general information, 
and especially in political matters. Yet he had no taste 
for ])olitics or political ambition. I know that he was 
sitrongly solicited to become a candidate for Congress 
on several occasions, when he could easily have been 
elected— but he always promptly declined the proffered 
honor. When Williatn F. DeSaussure was appointed to 
the United States Senate, by Governor Means, it was 
said that the Govei-noi-. at fli-st, thought of appointing 
Mr. Young, and hesitaled some time between him and 
Mr. DeSanssuT-e. 

In l§^n or '32, Mr. Young was elected to represent 
Laurens District in the Free Trade Convention which 
assend)led in Philadelphia, and which was composed of 
the most prominent and distinguished men in the 
Southei-n States. He was again appointed to attend 
the Nashville Convention, which met and protested 
against the wrongs and injuriesinfiicted on the Southern 
States by the Fedei-al Government. He was once or 
twice elected by the Legislatuie one of the Electors of 
President and Vice-President of the United States. For 
many yeai's he was a member of the lioai-d of Trustees 
of South Carolina College, and finally declined re- 
election. He was then appointed one of the visitors of 
the military schools in South Carolina, and several times 
attended the meeting of the Board in Charleston and 
Columbia. When Judge Earle was elected to the Bench, 
Mr. Young became a candidate for the office of Solicitor, 
and was beaten by Judge Whitner. He would have 
made a most admirable prosecuting officer — and I have 
heard him say that it was the only office he ever desired 
to fill. 

In early life Mr. Young's habits were not temperate. 



Henry C. Young. 177 

Biit he soon married and reformed his habits entirely. 
[ never knew a moi-e temperate man in all things than 
Ml'. Young, during our intimacy for so many years. He 
took a glass of brandy occasionally, but never became 
even excited by spirits as long as I knew him. I remem- 
ber meeting him in Columbia one fall, and he looked 
emaciated. I asked him to take a drink with me, and 
he replied that he had not tasted a drop of spirits for 
several months. I then said to him that was the cause 
of his emaciation, that spirits were the milk of old 
age, and advised him to take a drink every day at din- 
ner. The next time I met him, he told me that he had 
followed my advice, and he looked infinitely better. 

Mr. Young married his cousin, a sister of General 
Young, of Chai-lotte, N. C, and had but one child, a 
daughter, who married the Hon. W. D. Simpson, a gal- 
lant Colonel in the Confederate army, and a member of 
the Confederate Congress, who was elected a member of 
the United States Congress, in 1868, by a majority of 
three or four thousand votes, over A. S. Wallace, but 
was not allowed to take his seat. In my recent canvass 
for Congress, I made an appointment to speak at 
Laurens Court House, where "1 saw Colonel Simpson, 
and enquired if Mr. Young would be present at our 
meeting. He told me that he was not able to attend. 
I then said that I must see him before I left the village. 
He replied that he would go with me that evening, but 
doubted whether Mr. Young would remember me! His 
mind, he said, was very much shattered, and his memory 
gone. I was sadly impressed with this information, for 
Mr. Young could not have been more than seventy- 
eight or nine years old. Lord Lynhurst made one of 
his greatest speeches in the House of Lords when he was 
ninety-two years old. He spoke two hours without 
note or memoranda, and referred to facts and dates as 
if he had been in the prime of life. Lord Brougham 
commenced writing his autobiography when he was 



178 Henry <'. Young. 

ninety years old. But there is a great difference in the 
decay of intellect in different men. 

Colonel Simpson and myself rode up in my carriage to 
see Mr. Young, after I had addressed the people, and we 
found him at work in his garden, looking well and 
seemingly in good health. But 1 discovered that his 
mind was very much enfeebled. He recognized me, how- 
ever, and seemed glad that we had met once more in 
this life. My interview with him was necessarily brief, 
and my feelings and reflections afterwards were very 
sad. 

I have said Mr. Young was a great favorite with the 
people of Laurens. He was equally so with all the law- 
yers and judges. When Judge Richardson was threat- 
ened with impeachment by the House of Kepresenta- 
tives, he selected Mr. Young as one of his counsel to 
defend him before the Legislature. This was a distin- 
guished honor, when the Judge had the whole Bar of 
the State to select from. It was equally a compliment 
to his learning and ability as a lawyer. 

The juries had equal confidence in his integrity and 
sincerity, learning, ability and honor, and no lawyer at 
the Bar was more successful in his cases before a jury. 
His statements were always regarded as truthful, and 
they knew that there was no purpose on his part to de- 
ceive or mislead them. He was, too, a most liberal 
practitioner towards his opponents at the Bar. He 
never resorted to trick or stiatagem in his practice, or 
availed himself of any technical advantage which did 
not meet the justice of the case. No one ever had less 
of the pettifoger or demagogue in his nature. He was 
wholly unselfish and without a particle of vanity. His 
only pride and ambition was to dischai'ge evei*y duty of 
life as a man, a lawyer and statesman, conscientiously 
and to the best of his ability. In his manners he was 
simple, unpretending and unaffected. He did nothing 



Henky C, Young, 179 

for vain glory. In his nature he was kind and affection- 
ate. Such is the portraiture my heart draws of an old 
friend, who has passed off the stage of life, and now 
quietly waits to be gathered to his fathers. 



^ 
w 



^ 
^ 



l^m^ 



JOSEPH N. WHITNEK. 

UDGE WHITNER was one of the kindest, most 
amiable and best of men. He was benevolent and 
charitable to all who were in want. He was sincerely a 
Christian, and a very pious member of the Presbyterian 
Church all his life. And yet, with all his :-imiability and 
goodness, he possessed a nervous and excitable temper 
by nature. But his good se-nse and good feelings rai-ely 
permitted his temper to nmnifest itself on any occasion, 
public or private. On the Bench, and at the Bar, he 
w-as always patient, forbearing and courteous. Nevei- 
was there a more conscientious man in the discharge of 
all his duties in every relation of life, whether public or 
private. This conscientiousness and anxiety to do 
right and act properly under all circumstances, very 
often produced a hesitation in his action and decision. 
It was sometimes discoverable on the Bench. He hesi- 
tated and doubted, whei-e a judge with less conscien- 
tiousness, would have decided at once, although his 
convictions were as douV)tful as Judge Whitner's. 

Judge Whitner was born on George's Creek, in Pickens 
County, about seven miles from GreenvilleCourt House. 
His father moved near Pendleton village, where he was 
brought up and educated till he entered the South Caro- 
lina College, of which institution he was a graduate. 
He read law and was admitted to the Bar, and settled 
at Old Cambridge. But after a short residence there, 
he moved to Pendleton Court House, and formed a 
partnership with Judge Earle, who was then Solicitor 
of the Western Circuit. Judge Whitner was very soon 
elected a member of the IjCgislature from Pendleton 
District. He assisted mainly in the division of the Dis- 
trict into Anderson and Pickens Distiicts. Since that, 



Joseph N. Whitner. 181 

Pickens has been divided aj2:ain into Oconee and Pickens 
Districts. Whilst Pendleton still remained one Senatorial 
District, Judo:e Whitner was elected to repr-esent it in 
the State Senate. He was then elected Solicitor of the 
Western Cii'cuit, and for many years he dischai'ged the 
onerous duties of this office with gr^eat ability and effi- 
ciency. Some years before his elevation to the Bench, 
there was an election of Judge befor-e the Legislature. 
The contest was ver'y close, and one of the votes in- 
tended for Whitner was written " Whiten." If this 
vote had been counted, he would have had a majority 
and been elected. But on the second ballot. Judge 
Withers was elected. The next vacancy that occuri-ed 
on the Bench, Judge Whitner was elected to fill, and he 
remained on the Bench till Iris death, many years after*- 
war-ds. Whilst Solicitor, he was put in nomination for 
Congress, ver'y much against his wishes. There was a 
high political excitement in the State on the subject of 
the sub-Treasur-y. General Thompson, who was then 
repr*esenting the Distr-ict in Coirgress, differed with Mr. 
Calhoun on this subject, a.nd an effoi't was made by Mr. 
Calhoun and his fi-iends to turn hirii orrt. Judge Whit- 
ner, at that tinre, was perhaps the most popular- man in 
the Congressional District. He was, therefore, put in 
nomination, but his personal popularity availed him 
nothing in the excitement. His warmest and most de- 
voted friends voted against him. The returns fr-orn the 
different precincts in AndersoTi District were brought to 
Pickens Cour-t House, whilst Court was sitting ther-e. 
Whitner looked over the statement and said tome: "1 
really thought I could have got nrore votes than I did, 
at some of these boxes, for President of the United 
States." So true it is. that friendship, gratitude and 
personal respect, are all thrown aside in a political ex- 
citement when an election takes place. 

Judge Whitner was a great temperance man, and a 
sort of Lieutenant-General of Chief Justice O'Neall in 



182 JosKPH N. Whitnkr. 

the tein])eraneo eaiiso. Whilst ()'N«'all was on the cir- 
t'uit, ami Whitiier was Solicitor, tlu\v invariably luui 
teniperaiiee lectures at all the court houses. 1 have no 
tlonbt that if both these «;entleinen had taken a <!,lass 
of brandy every day, in the latter part of their lives, 
they would have lived ninch lon«>er. When Judji'e Whit- 
ner was on his death bed, he sent for Doctor Fair, of 
Columbia, to visit and prescribe for hini. The Doctor 
told him to eat nourishin*;- food, and drink brandy. 
Hut the prescription came tot) late. Aftei- Doctor Fair's 
visit, Jud«ie Muni-o called to see his brother Whitner. 
when the latter said to him: "I am now «»oin<2: to do, 
.In(]<;e Mnnro, what 1 never have done before, ask you 
to take a «i,lass of brandy with me." 

As to carryin<»: deadly weapons about one's ])erson, 
Ju(i«i«> Whitner told me the followin*;' circumstance in 
i-eference to himself. He was a student in Union villa<:,'e, 
when the deputy sheiil'f came to arrest him on some 
very trivial nrnttei*. IMayfully. he ]Hdled <iut a pistol 
and told the de|)uty he would not be arrested. He did 
it as a iokt\ and supposed it would be received as such 
by a man whom he knew very well and with whom he 
was t)n the best of terms. But mistakintj; the motive, 
the deputy tlew into a passion, jumped from his horse, 
and said: "I will arrest you at the risk of my lif(\" 
Judji'e Whitner said his nature seemed suddtMdy to 
<'han«it\ all leflection thrown away, and if the man had 
advanced he would have shot, and pt>rhaps killed him. 

Jud<;e Whitner married the only dau«;hter of .Tames 
Harrison, Esq., who still survives him, and by whom he 
had a lar«ie fannly of childriMi. They weiv all educated 
with «ireac care, and have prospered in life. The.Iud«;e 
lived in *i:reat elejianee and with great hospitality. He 
ke[)t an open house for friends and visitors, atall times, 
and on all occasions. Althou*;h a strict Presbyterian, 
he had all of his children tauj>ht to p^lay on some naisieal 
instrument, and a visitor would see two or three violins 



Joseph N. Whitneii. 183 

and flutes lyin*»- about his house. He eucouraf^ed the 
youu^" peoj^le to dance foi- aniuseinent of a winter's 
evenin«»;, and made his home a ha])py one for all his 
family and visitoi-s. I remember hearino- a gentleman 
from Charleston say thnt he had never seen more 
elejiance or finer entertainments, than he met at Judge 
Whitner's. 

The Judge was a cotton planter for a numberof years 
in Florida, but 1 understood from him not many years 
befoi-e his death, that he had not found planting in 
Floridii very profitable. To plant profitably, a gentle- 
man must live on his plantation, and supervise every- 
thing. 

In early life. Judge Whitner took great i)ride in com- 
manding a troop of cavaliy, and was afterwards elected 
Biigadier (icneral, when T had th(^ honor of being a})- 
pointed on his staff with the i-aid< of Majoi', which has 
stuck to nu^ through life. But my friend Yeadon always 
denied my raid<,an(l insisted that 1 was only a Ca])tain, 
and could l)enotliiiighigher()n a Bi-idadiei-'sstaff. When 
the ordinance of Nullification was ])assed, all the militia, 
commissions wei-e vacated by act of the Legislature, and 
General Whitnei* refused to be i-e-elected. (Jeneral 
VVaddy Thompson was elected in his place. He was, how- 
ever, a strong Nullifler and Secessionist, though a sincere 
Christian, loving peace and good will to all mankintJ. 
Shortly after the first battle of Manassas, I traveled to 
Vii-<iinia with Judge Whitnei-and his most amiable lady, 
who were on a visit to a son who was wounded in the 
battle. Mis. Whitner, who was always an esteemed and 
valued friend of min<', observed to me, that she never 
thought our politicalexcitement would come to a. deadly 
civil strife, or she would not have been in favor of Seces- 
sion. I replied,! had no doubt thousandsand hundreds 
of thousands entertained the same sentiments and feel- 
ings. But that I had always anticipated such a resylt, 
and was therefore bitterly opposed to the movement. 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



II WENT from Governor Wright's to ex-President 
Van Buren's, near Kinder Hook, in New York. I 
.saw Mr. Van Buren first in church, and immediately rec- 
oo;nized him from the likeness I had seen. He was, how- 
ever, a mu(rh larg-er and stouter man than I had ex- 
pected to see in the "'little weasel," as he had been 
dubbed by Mr. Calhoun. I dined with him that evening. 
There were seven or eight peisons present at the table, 
and the dinner was a very sumptuous one, but the oidy 
waiter at the table was a tidy young white woman. 
All the guests were well attended to. At aSouthern table 
theie would have been three or four negroes in each oth- 
er's way, and the table not so well waited on. Mr. Van 
Buren was then turning his attention to farming, and 
wished me to stay all night with him, and look over his 
farm the next dsiy. It consisted of two or three hun- 
dred acres, and formerly belonged to one of the Van 
Hensalears. He enquired after a. great many persons in 
South Carolina, and seemed to be as familiar with our 
public men as I was myself. Mrs. Abraham Van Buren 
was present, formerly Miss Singleton, and a native of 
South Carolina.. There were present also, his former 
Secretary of the Treasury, and his lady, who had for- 
merly been the wife of Senator Johnston, of Louisiana, 
and the subject of a poem by Warren R. Davis, entitled : 
"Johnston's Wife of Louisiana." 

I told Mr. Van Buren that I was surprised to find the 
convention, then sitting at Albany, had propos^^d to 
make the Judges elective for a term of years by the peo- 
|)le. He replied that he favored the change himself. 
• When a young man," said he, "I thought as you do, 
but I am now satisfied that all three departments of the 



Martin Van Buren. 185 

j^overnment should be directly under the control of the 
people." He mentioned a conversation he once had 
with Mr. Jefferson on the subject. Jefferson was 
strongly in favor of having- the Judiciary elected by the 
people for a term of years. Mr. Van Buren was opposed 
to such a system at that time, and thought it fraught 
with evil. He had since changed his opinion, and 
adopted the views of Mr. Jefferson. 

I was very much pleased with the ex-President, and 
thought him a charming gentleman. His manners were 
cordial and most pleasant. Instead of being reticent 
as to men and measures, I found him very frank and 
open in expressing his opinions about any and every- 
thing. His son John was also present, who was then 
Attorney- General of New York. In conversation, I 
found the father, though so long from the Bar, a better 
lawyer than the son. John struck me as agreatdandy, 
and very affected and pretending in his manners. His 
after life entirely developed this character. I met in 
Kinder Hook, a brother of the ex-Pre^ident's, 
who was postmaster of the village and a member of the 
town council. He was an intelligent, plain looking and 
respectable man, though very different from his brother. 
In the whole town of Kinder Hook, during my stay 
there for two days, I did not see a single carriage except 
the ex-President's, and one old hack which brought me 
from the railroad depot. 

Very few men have been so much abused and calumni- 
ated in South Carolina as Martin Van Buren. Judge 
Cheves used to say that he possessed, however, as 
much honesty and disinterestedness as his traducers. 
I have heard General Thompson say, who was always 
opposed to him in politics, that no one could know Mr. 
Van Buren in private life and dislike him. He never 
gave offence to any one, and was always kind and gen. 
tie in his intercourse with the world. Such, I should 
suppose, was the true character of Martin Van Buren. 



SILAS WRKTHT. 



II VISITKD Albany whilst Silas Wiiuht was Governor 
of Now York, ami oarriod a It'ttor of inri'oduction to 
him ffom Jot^l U. Pt)insi'tt. I (nUUmI to soo hini at his 
rt\siiieiuv. and was nnich pleased with him. His man- 
ners and conversation were si^ natural. ]>leasinir ami 
cheerful, that I was ipiite eantivated. He jiossessed the 
fairest mind in debate and in eojiviM-sation that 1 ever 
knew, and it was as Hum 1 as it was fair and honest. I 
have neV(M* stVMi any one else wlm cotild t^xi>i"(\ss his 
views and o])inions in reference to anythinii' with so 
mneh cleai-nivss and eX}>lieitness. No one who ever 
heai-d him speak ov converse, was ever left in tloubt as 
to his nieaninii' or pni'pose. He exhausted every sub- 
ject that he discussed. He was indeed, a man of the 
^rtwtest ability. As a statesman, he was honest, unsel- 
fish and unambitious. All the liiiih positii>ns which he 
held in New A\)i-k were thrust on him. He received the 
nomination oi Vice-President, with James K. Polk for 
President, which he |>rompTly declined. He was a de- 
voted friend of President Van Knreu, and labored for 
him most disinterestedly throuuh life. In his person he 
was stout and tine lookiuii", but his face tiave unmis- 
takable evidence of his beset tin^- sin. 

I had just returned from a t our throug'h Canada, when 
1 met Ciovernor Wi-iglit in Albany. Tn speakinu' of the 
British fonvs in tho.se Provinces, which he had seen 
there the precediuii!: summer, he remarked that he 
witnessed a circumstance characteristic of the Enulish 
«:;overnment, which made a deep impression on his mind. 
He carried a letter oi introduction to the commandin^:: 
General, who was an officer of liivat distinction, and a 
most venerable looking old gentleman. They were tak- 
ing a walk one day together, when they met a very 
young otticer to whom the General seemed most unbe- 



SiLA8 Wright. 187 

(•omin<z;ly obsequious in his salutation. Governor 
Wrijiht was informed that this ensign was a sprig of 
nobility, anrl hence the deference paid him by this ven- 
erable officer, his commanding General. 

In speaking of the tariff, (iovernor Wright said that if 
the necessary duties for revenue were not sufficient pro- 
tection, it showed clearly that the article ought not to 
be manufactured in the United States. He had the 
simplicity of true greatness. Whilst United States 
Senator, living in the upper part of the State, a g'^itle- 
man visited him, and found him with his coat off, rolling 
into his cellar, with a wheelbarrow, his crop of cabbages, 
preparatory to his departure for Washington. 

Mr. Poin.sett informed me that he once visited the 
residence of Governor Wiight in company with Presi- 
dent Van Buren. His house was a small cottage, and 
afforded only accommodation for the President. Mr. 
Poinsett went to the hotel in the village. It was said 
that Wright was a protege of Van Buren. He made his 
acquaintance on the lakes, perceived his extraordinary 
capacity, and brought him forward in life. Hence the 
great devotion of Wright to him. I remember seeing a 
letter froin Van Buren to Mr. Poinsett, when Wright 
was nominated for Governor of New York. He stated 
that they had ''forced him into harness," against 
Wright's wishes, in order to make sure of the election. 
Had Governor Wright lived, he would have been, in all 
probability, President of the United States. His great 
abilities, honesty and patriotism were universally ac- 
knowledged. Mr. Calhoun did not like him, and when his 
death was announced to him at Old Pendleton, his only 
remark was: "Burnt out at last." It is amazing that 
a great man like Silas Wright, with pure and unselfish 
character, and a mind as clear as crystal, with a judg- 
ment almost unerring, should destroy his talents and 
himself by indulgence in a habit which he knows to be 
fatal. But alas, it is too often the fat« of our greatest 
and best men. 



LETTERS 



[These letters acknowledging the receipt of the Tribute (lately published) 

are worthy of publication. They are invaluable to the wife. 

Words cannot express her appreciation of them.] 



United States Courts for South Carolina, 

Greenville, S. C, February 4. 1889. 

Mrs. B. F. Perry, City. 

My Dear Madam: You have <>,iven me o:i'eat pleasure 
in your ^iftof The Tribute to Governor Perry, December 
3, 1888.^ 

The ohler I grow the more able I am to appreciate the 
character and ability of Governor Perry, and to under- 
stand how he achieved his high reputation. His firm 
adherence to principle; his thorough knowledge oi the 
fundamental doctrines which underlie American liberty; 
the splendid courage which illustrated his whole politi- 
cal and social life; a life passed in the full blaze of a 
fierce dissension, yet without a stain, n)ake him a 
marked feature in the history of our State. 

Your touching devotion to him preserves for posterity 
the story of his life and the fruits of his intellect. You 
are handing down to coming generations a valuable ex- 
amplefor their imitation. Too many good men are for- 
gotten except by their cotemporaries. How many can 
you and I recall whose learning and eloquence and 
patriotism are mere tradition. Governor Perry has 
been fortunate, as well in the gifts of intellect and heart 
which God gave him, as in having your loving and 
watchful care in the preservatit»n of his record. 
With great respect. 

Yours most truly, 

Charles H. Simonton. 



190 Letteus. 

Office of County School Commissioner, Charleston County, 

Charleston, S. (,;.. March 4, 1889. 

My Dear Mus. Perry: I want to thank you for The 
Tribute to the nieuioi y of your ^leat and jiood hus- 
band, you so kindly sent ine. I prize it on account of 
the thoughtful attention from you, as well as for the 
valuable contents of the volume. I have both the vol- 
umes of Sketches written by Governor Peri-y, and want 
everythinji' that I can <>;et that came from his pen. 

To-day, as I read President Harrison's inauj»ural, I 
see clouds on the political sky — clouds that call for men 
with brains, and men with the courag'e of their convic- 
tions. In shoit, the times demand just su('h men as 
Governor Perry — men, who, after they are sure that 
they are ri*>ht, care nothin*i: for consequences. He is 
taken fi-om us just at a time when his wisdom and ex- 
perience could do this Sta.te great service. The whole 
State should thank you for preserving his utterances 
on important questions. A wide circulation of his wi-it- 
ings will result in great good. 

U'ords can but feebly expiess the gratitude I have for 
the kindness you have shown me. 

Yevy respectfully, 

John L. Weber. 



Chester, S. C, March 12, 1889. 

Mrs. B. F. Perry, Sans Souci, Greenville, S. C. 

Mv Dear Madam : Phrase accept my thanks for kind- 
ness in sending me The Tribute to Benjamin Franklin 
Perry, ex-Governor of South Carolina, and also your 
distinguished husband. 

You cei-taiidy deservethe hearty "Amen '" of every fi-iend 
and admirer of your late illustrious husband. It was 
not my ha})[),y privilege to be |)ersonally known to Gov- 
ernor Perry, but was an ardent admirer of his from the 
time I arrived at manhood, until he ceased to come in 
and go out a.mong men. 

You may have erected a tall shaft to perpetuate the 



Letters. 10] 

memory of your Honorable liusbaiirl and "Our own 
Perry;" hut you can never lear .such a lasting monu- 
ment as he, himself, has left us — his life. In any high 
sense, theie is but one thingwhich men may ealla monu- 
ment. |TliH skillfully chiselled maible of the church yard 
can be ])urchase(l, as well by money as by merit. The 
canvas, glowing with the semblance of life, is, how often 
a monument i-ather of the genius of the aitist than of 
the forgotten dead, whose features it perpetuates. Tri- 
umphal arches and p^'ramids even, however deeply and 
strongly they mav be founded, change at last to ruin- 
ous heaps, or are intrusted in vain with the names of 
their builders and the i-ecords of the deeds which they 
commemorate. Nevei-theless, greatness has its endur- 
ing monument. But that monument is erected by it- 
self. Laid sometimes, indeed, in the blood and tears of 
suffering humanity, built up amid the sighs of lacei'ated 
bosoms, and crowned with the execrations of long pos- 
terity, but sometimes based upon the noblest impulses 
of a noble heart, erected every pa it of it to bless and 
adorn humanity, and completed amid shouts of grati- 
tude, or those more expressive tokens of affection — a 
nation's tears. 

When I speak then of a monument, commemorative 
of Benjamin Franklin Perry, I mean not the marble 
which may cover his moldpring remains, nor any impos- 
ing columns which have been already erected in some 
public resort. I mean his own great character; his 
matchless will; the thoughts which he entertained; the 
words which he spoke; his large sagacity, and that 
larger patriotistn, which achieved for himself a place, 
like that of a household idol, in every American heart. 

Feeling that I have already trespassed upon valuable 
time, I would again thank you for The Tribute. 

I an) with great respect, 

W. G. Austin. 



1 92 Letters, 

Southern Baptist Theological Seminahv, 

Louisville, Ky., Marrh 20, 1889. 

Mrs. B. F. Perry. 

Dear Madam : Permit me to express my thanks for a 
copy of a Tribute to Governor B. F, Perry. I have read 
it with much interest and lasting benefit. His life re- 
veals much of the history of our grand old State, to 
whose service he gave his life. My first im])ressions of 
his great character were from my grandfather Fergu- 
son, who was a great admirer of his, as well as a be- 
liever in his politics during secession. Often have I been 
stirred as he would relate to me the thrilling events 
through which Governor Perry passed. His integrity, 
wisdom and patriotism have overshadowed other quali- 
ties, which in an ordinary man would shine most bril- 
liantly. The " Preface to your Journal " discloses some 
traits which had esca.ped my notice. This discloses a 
tenderness, and purity of sentiment that is truly grand. 
His hinguage concerning you is chaste and exceedingly 
beautiful, while the sentiment is refined and exquisite. 
It is like the leaves out of some great novel or poem. I 
had no idea; of this beautiful trait. Although I wrote a 
sketch of his life for the Augusta Chronicle, this was 
parsed over. I will keep this passage as a specimen of 
pure Anglo-Saxon English, strong but beautiful senti- 
ment. I remember with pleasure my conversation with 
you last summer and hope to see you again next sum- 
mer. Most respectfully, 

Henry G. Ferguson. 

Reidville, S. C, March 21, 1889. 

Mrs. B. F. Perry. 

Dear Madam: This is the first day that I have had 
leisure to comply with the request in your favor of the 
I5th inst. 1 have been under pressing calls of duty 
every day since the date of your letter. 

The address of your honored husband to which you 
refer, was delivered on the 20th of June, 1882, before 



Letters. 193 

the Reidville Female Colle^-e on a Comnieiicement occa- 
sion. A VdVixe audience was present, and the address 
was well i-eceived. 

When I requested Gov. Perry to perform this service for 
us, he spokeof the infirmities of increasing age, and said 
he had resolved not to appear again before the public, 
but for two reasons he would comply with my wishes. 
First, Mrs. Reid was the daughter of his old friend, 
Dr. William Anderson, of Oirsville,in Anderson County. 
Second, his interest in me and my work. He was a 
Trustee of the South Carolina College, and upon the 
stage when I gi-aduated, and then spoke words of en- 
courajiement to me, whicli a poor college boy, just start- 
ing life, knows how to appreciate. He was kind enough 
to mention me in terms of commendation in a notice 
which he wrote at the time of ourComniencenient for the 
Greenville Mountaineer, which may be found in- the files 
of the paper for the year 1846. He was a life long 
friend. 

I have been familiar with his public life from boyhood. 
The first time I ever heard his name mentioned was dur- 
ing the Nullification controversy. I admired his course 
in the secession struggle — his stand and efforts to pre- 
vent the split in the Democratic party in Charleston, 
which resulted in the election of Lincoln as President, 
and his earnest efforts after the election, to keep the 
State from seceding; saying in his speeches and through 
the press, in substance, that the Constitution of the 
United States, badly as it had been observed by some 
of the Northern States of the Union, was the only pro- 
tection we had for our peculiar form of civilization in 
the South ; that when we threw ourselves from under 
its protection, we were gone to ruin, &c., &c. 

Governor Perry was truly a great man, but his mis- 
fortune was that he was so far ahead of his contempor- 
aries in foresight and sound, practical wisdom that the 
masses could not understand, or appreciate him. He 



194 Letters. " 

was liko a, tall tnountai'ii wIiosh summit raii<;]it the rays 
of tli.^ risiiii,- sii'i, w'lilp d ir'<:ii^s-! iM^stnil upon all the snr- 
r()nii(iiii<i- ppaks. Like Aristotle and Socrates, liis fame 
will increase in the a,<i;es to come Kven his hitter op])0- 
neiits ciiw now see that his political coiiise in the i)ast 
was rii>-lit atid consistent ; that it wonld liaA'e been bet- 
ter for the State \' Inch he loved so dearly and sei-ved so 
faithfully, to ha,ve heeded his counsels. South Cai'olina 
never ])ioduced a statesman with clearer iiead and 
more manly vii-tues. 

1 an> iilad to hear that you are <>-oino- to publish an- 
other volume of his works. Permit me to say that 1 
tliird< he is foi-lunate in having such a bio<2;ra|)her ancl 
Comj)iler of his woi-ks, to ])erpetuate his faine and use- 
fulness, one so well qualified both intellectually and in a 
peisonal knowled<>e of his chai-acter in all the relations 
of life. Very respectfully yours, 

RoBEiJT Harden Reid. 



University of South Carolina, 

Columbia, S. C, March 27, 1889. 

Dear Madam: Please accept my thanks for your 
highly esteemed favor, which 1 i-eceived last week, and 
should have acknowledged soonei", but for the pressui-e 
of other engagements. 

I have always i-egarcied your distinguished husban(J, 
Benjamin Franklin Perry, as one of the most remarka- 
ble men of the State. As a writer, I do not think he 
had a. superior, scarcely an equal, in the United States. 
He was a master of the English language, and might, 
without extravagance, be called the American Macaulay. 
His style is almost faultless, dear, simple and concise, 
reminding the reader, in almost every word, of Addison, 
or Gohismith, or Washington Irving, or Hugh Swinton 
Lege re. 

I should like to see a biography of Governoi* Perry, if 
a man could be fourui who possessed the requisite quali- 
fications for such a task. The beautiful Tribute which 



Letters. 195 

,Vou have just ])iil)lishp(l, coiitnins a <>i-eat deal of ma- 
terial which would be vei y nsei'ul in the ])i-eparati()ii of 
8uch a work. Such n lii()«ifa])hy would be a ])owerful 
stirniilus to the .vouiip,' meu of South Caroliuato imitate 
his noble life and ('haracter, who was, most emphatieally, 

" One of the few, immortal names, 
That were not born to die."' 

I am, dear madam, very truly yours, 

E. L. Patton. 



Chester, S. C, April 4, 1889. 

Mrs. B. F. Perry, Sans Soucr, Greenville, S. C. 

Please accept my most earuest thaidcs for a copy of 
Sketches by Governor Perry, of South Carolina. 

No library is complete without this book. 

That speech delivered in the House of Representatives 
of South Carolina, December 11, 1850, which he himself 
characterized as a legacy to his country and children, 
should be in every household, nay, that book should 
be in every school-room. 

I have not languaji:e to express to you my high appre- 
ciation of tlie book. My boys, when they learn to read, 
shall nmke that book a daily study, until they breathe 
the very sentiments of your peerless husband. 

The picture of the Governor is so exact as to ca.use 
one to almost feel that they were in his august presence. 

Again allow me to thank you for the book. Money 
could not purchase it. 

Wishing you all the health and happiness that you 
are capable of enjoying, I remain 

Your very humble and obedient servant, 

W. G. Austin. 



Dr. C. Kollock, 

Chekaw, S. C, Aprils, 1889. 

My Dear Mrs. Perry: Your very kind letter of the 
4th has been received. I was truly glad to hear from 



19() Letters. 

you ng,aiii. I am always pU^asod to hear fi'oiii you, for 
altlioiiiih 1 never haii the pleasnie of ineetinji; you, 1 feei 
that I know yon well, and my esteem for yon is veiy 
jirt'at. as you ai"e the wife of my old friend lUMijamin F. 
Perry. I was never personally a((|nainted with a n)an 
for whom I Inul more i-espect and whose friendship 1 
valued more hiiihly. Youi" beiuii,' tiie wife of Governor 
IVri-y iiivps you a wai'ui plaet^ in my affeetions. if your 
own })ersonal characteristiis did not eommend you. 1 
remember well the first time I evt'i' met (Jovernoi- Terry. 
It was in the month of December, 1850, durinij:: the ses- 
sion of the Leiiislatuie. T was then intrtxlneed to him 
by Doctor Thomas K. Pinvc. wlu> represented Chester- 
tield (\)unty in the StMiate. Thei-ewas somethino- about 
Cioveiiioi- Perr-y that seemed to draw him to my heait, 
and I was with him as much as I couhi be, and I tlat- 
tere(l myself that he took the same fancy to me. Ever 
since that time, althouiih there was considerable differ- 
ence in our a^ivs. and we met but sehlom. a warm at- 
tachment and a very strono- friendship) existed between 
us. When he lectured in Cheraw, the peoi)le showed 
theii- gieat respect and appreciation for him by the very 
larue audience that tunned out to hear him. The hall 
in which he lectured will seat comfortably about four 
hundred people; ami althouuh it was a very rainy 
evening, it was full to oveiflowing, not a seat 
empty, and many stood through the whole lecture. 
When he entered the hall on the arm of the President of 
the Lyceum. Colonel John W. Harrington, who was an 
old friend ox Governor Peri-y, he was greeted with a long 
and uprorious applause. It must have made him feel 
good, and it was nothing more than he deservetl at tlip 
hands of South Carolinians. The State owes him a debt of 
gratitude that it can never repay. Who that ever lived 
in the State has done more to ailvance its interests and 
elevate the moral and intellectual tone of its people? 
You have never given the Cheraw Lyceum a copy of the 
first book of Reminiscences of Public Men. and we will all 



Letters. 107 

!)«' iMUcli pleafced to h«v>' ;j copv of it in the libiary ot 
the Lyceiiiii. You can send it to me mihI I will v,\ki- 
pleasure in pre«eritiTJ^' it. 

I would l»' more than pleased to visit GiecnviJle, hut 
i^an'tsee my way clear for the comirifi,- Summer. May 
Cirod ever bless and keep yon ;ind yours, is the prayer of 
your faitliful friend. C'oK.vKLns Kollock. 

•loNKHVILLK. r.MON < OINT^. S. ('.. A/ifH 10. IHSU. 

Mus. V>. V. Perky, (JiveDviUe, S. ( . 

Dear Madam: I'lease accept my thanks for the re- 
spect you have shown me by sendinjz: a copy of The 
TriVjute to Benjamin Frankh'n Perry, your beloved and 
honored husband, to<;ether with the address delivered 
liefore the MeTchants, Mt.M-h;inics and Business Men of 
Colund)ia, December 17. IH^^i. 

May his name beheld up before the public, and handed 
down to posterity, for wliat he truly was: a friend to 
justice, a friend to the people, a friend to his country, a 
pr(jtector of the weak, and an opposer to the encroach- 
ments of the stronu-. Would to God that we had an- 
other to stand up in the Leiiislativt-halls of our country 
like Governor B. F. Perry stood, when he fought against 
such strong opposition for a change in the system of 
our State government; a change that sought to take 
frijni the Legislature the )K»wer to choose the Presiden- 
tial electors and the Goveiiior. and place it in the hanrls 
of the people, where it justly l)elongs. 

We need such men now to carry on the good work be- 
gun by Governor B. V . Perry. Such a noble, and able 
man will always be held in grateful remembrance Vjy 
those who love an administration that will give to 
every person, no matter how hund^le, his own rights, ac- 
c()rding to the true princi[>les of our government. 

Again thanking you for your kindness. 

I am very truly and respectfully, your fiiend. 

G. B. FV)Wi>EK. 



198 Letters. 

University of Sovth Caholina. 

CoLiMBiA. S. r.. April IC. 1SS0. 

Deak Madam: I have been <]iiite unwell for some two 
weeks past, evei- since I had the honor to receive the vol- 
ume wliich jou sent nie, and which, it is unnecessary to 
add, I most hislily appreciate, not only on account of 
its intrinsic value, but as a memento of a truly oreat 
and ^ood man. I have read, with no ordinary pleasure, 
the " Piiographical Sketches of Eminent American 
Statesmen," as well as the "Speeches, Addresses and 
Letters." Amono-the latter, the address delivered be- 
fore the literary societies of Erskine College, has a pecu- 
liar attraction for me, foi- 1 was present on that truly 
interestin<>- and memorable occasion: and althou,i>h 
nearly /b/tr-^'F6^ yea I's have ela})sed since the delivery 
of that address, the scene is indelibly impressed on my 
memory. Many able and eloquent addresses have been 
delivered at the same place on similar occasions, but 
]ione supeiior, in eloquence or ability, to that of your 
distinguished and laniented husband. 

I am ti-uly "lad that this volume has been ])ublished. 
It will furnish a powerful stimulus to the youno; men of 
this State to imitate one who was a model of truth and 
<'Oura<ie and fidelity; one who may be justly character- 
ized as the Chevalier Bayard of South Carolina. Sans 
peiir et s;uis reproche. 

Again expressing my regret that 1 have not been able 
to acknowledge more promptly your highly esteented 
favor. I am yours very truly, 

E. L. P.ATTON. 



THE HISTORY OF NULLIFICATION 

IN SOUTH CAROLINA. 



BY GOVERNOR PERRY. 
1874. 

The Tariff of 1816 was advocated by Mr. Calhoun, 
and voted for by the fireater part of the South Caiolina 
delegation in Cono-ress. The proposition was, however, 
to I'epea.l the, duties which had been imposed during the 
war. This Mr. Calhoun opposed. But in 1824 the 
Southern members were generally opposed to the Tariff. 
It was oyjposed on the ground of its injustice and inex- 
pediency. Nothing was said about its unconstitution- 
ality except by John Randolph. McDuffie made a long 
and able speech against it in 1824, in the House of 
Representatives, but said nothing about its unconstitu- 
tionality. Webstei', too, was then opposed to the 
Tariff, and made a very able and powerful speech 
against it. 

In 1824 the anti-Tariff feeling in South Carolina was 
very strong. There had been some meetings of the 
people in opposition to the Tariff, previous to that 
time. In Charleston they had a meeting at which a very 
strong remonstrance against the Tariff was adopted 
and sent to Congress. This remonstrance was drawn 
up by Stephen Elliott, President of the Bank of the 
State. There was also about the same time, a very 
strong feeling of opposition to the system of internal 
im|)rovements by Congress, springing u]) all over the 
State. These two measures first destroyed the national 
feehng of South Carolina. Until 1820 or 1822, South 
Carolina was one of the strongest Federal States in the 
Union. Her most talented and leadini»' men were dis- 



200 Hlstokv of Ntllification. 

tiiigui.shed foi- their Federal measures and ^i-eat devo- 
tion to the American Union. 

At'tei- the passage of the Tariff of 1824, there were 
numerous meetings held in different paits of the State, 
pT-otesting against its injustice and inexpediency- 
Xothing, however, was said about its unconstitution- 
ality. In 1826, William Elliott, of Beaufoit, said to 
McDuffie. in Columbia, tlu^n on his wa^' to Washington, 
that he had great doubts about the constitutionality 
of the Tariff. McDuffie re|)lied that it was clearly'- con- 
stitutional, but a most inicpiitous exei'cise of constitu- 
tional i»owe)-. This I had from Mi-. Elliott hin)se]f. In 
l^P-T 4: 825 or 1826 , Doctor Cooper, then President of the 
South Carolina College, made his famous expression, at 
a public meeting in Columbia, "that it was time to begin 
to calculate the value of the Federal Union." This 
expression excited great indignation, and was de- 
nounced by many, who soon afterwards adopted the 
sentinieiit. The passage of the Tariff in 1828 was 
I)retty generally anticipated, and the people held a great 
mai^y public meetings throughout the State and peti- 
tioned Congress against its passage. It was opposed in 
(>)ngress by the greater j)a]-t of the South Carolina 
deh'gation, with able speeches. It however passed, and 
the mend)ei's from South Carolina had a meeting at 
which it was proposed to leave their seats and return 
home. Colonel Di'ayton opposed this movement, and 
but for his opposition it woidd have been (^a.rried out. 
This is the statement of Rothmorrow Mitchell, who was 
then a member of Congress. The delegation however, 
determined, on their return home aftertheadjournment 
of Congress, to call public meetings of theii* constituents 
and stir them up in opposition to tlie act. This was 
(lone all over the State. At Walterboro they rei^uested 
(iovernor Taylor to convene the Legislature for the 
pui])ose of taking action in opposition to the Tariff. 
This was in tlie S])ring. .\ dissolution of the Union was 



HlSTOKV OF NULLIPMCATTON. 20l 

freely 8pokeii of and discussed. In the Columbia Times 
and Gazette, several loni^ articles appeared, sliowin*^ 
that a dissolution of the Imion was to the interest of 
the Southern States. McDutfie said in a speech in Con- 
o-ress, that a dissolution of the Union would pour a 
Hood of wealth into the Southern States. Judge Earle 
called my attention to the articles in the Times and 
(iiazette, and spoke of them in terms of unmeasured dis- 
approbation. He said he would discontinue his sub- 
scription to the paper if such communications were 
permitted to appear in it. The Judge at that time was 
inclined to be a. Tariff man and so was his friend Captain 
Cleveland. He frequently contended with me that the 
Tariff chea])ened articles, and I argued that they had 
become cheaper in spite of the Tariff. At that time the 
Judge did not approve the course taken by our members 
of Congress. 

Governor Taylor refused to convene the Legislature, 
as he had been requested to do by the Colleton meeting. 
At the celebration of the fourth of July in Columbia, 
His Excellency made a speech and assigned his reasons 
for not calling the Legislature together. It was a good 
Union speech, and very diffei-ent from one made by 
Colonel William C. Preston, on the same occasion. The 
toasts drank at this celebration were divided for and 
against the Union. A large majority denounced in 
sftrong terms the Tariff. I remember noticing the toasts 
drank throughout the State, on the fourth of July, 
1828, and was gratified at the Union feeling they 
expressed. But there was a sudden change afterwards 
in this respect. 

In 1824, Governor Wilson, in his message to the 
Legislature, referred to the usurpations of Congress, 
i-elative to internal improvements, protection of do- 
mestic nmnufacture and the United States Bank. This 
part of his message was referred to a special committee 
of which Judge Prioleau was chairman. He reported 



202 History of Nullification. 

that the Legislature had no ]-i<2,ht to intei-fei*e vvith the 
legislation in Conaress, tte. This report was called up 
the next session of the Lei>islature, by Judj2,e Smith, who 
submitted a preamble and resolutions, as a, substitute 
for the report. These resolutions inculcated the doc- 
trine that a State Legislature had the right to watch 
over the proceedings of (^ongress, and expi-ess their 
approbation or disappi-obation of the same and to 
remonstrate against any action (^r legislation of Con- 
gress. These resolutions gave rise to an extended de- 
bate in the Legislature. Chief Justice O'Neall, Judge 
Butler and other prominent members ma.de speeches and 
took the ground assumed in the report of Judge Pi-io- 
leau, that the members of Congress and the members of 
the Legislature were all representatives of the peojjle 
and one set of representatives had no right to interfere 
vvith the legitimate duties of another set. They were 
all respojisible to the people for their action, whoseduty 
alone it was to watch over their conduct. This was the 
doctrine announced by McDutfie in his pamphlet, signed 
•'One of the People," published in 1820. Butthe resolu- 
tions of Judge Smith were adopted by the Legislature. 
His report ou them was said to contain the doctrine of 
"States' rights," as then understood in South Carolina. 
But how different were "States' rights," as afterwards 
understood in South Carolina, authorizing Nullification 
and Secession. 

At that time there were two pai-ties in South Carolina. 
The Calhoun and Smith parties. The first were known 
as the opponents of States rights, and the other as the 
advocates of that doctrine. Judge Smith was turned 
out of the United States Senate by Oovernoi' Hayne in 
1822. The radicals or States' rights party were then in 
a minority. In 182G Judge Smith was again elected to 
the Senate over Judge Huger. The doctrine of States 
rights wasthen in the ascendant, and the Calhoun party 
were left in a. minority. In 182() or 1827. Ramsay's 



History of Nullification. 2i)S 

i-ppoit and resolutions were adopted by the Le^-islature. 
This document was written by Turnbull and submitted 
to the Leo'islature by Dr. Ramsay. It contained very 
strono- States' ri«>:hts doctrine, and I recollect hearing' 
Judjre Whitner say that he went to Hnjj:h S. Le^are, in 
the Legislature to ask him to move a postponement of 
the further consideration of the report. He did not 
sufficiently understand the doctrine to vote on it. 

In 1822-'23-'24 the Presidential election excited a 
"ood deal of feeling in South Carolina. Messrs. Adams. 
Jackson, Crawford, Clay and Calhoun, were all candi- 
dates. In 1821, the Legislature of South Carolina, 
nominated William Lowndes as a candidate for the 
Presidency. This great and aood man died shortly after- 
wards, as he was ci'ossing the Atlantic Ocean for his 
health, and his body was committed to the ocean. He 
expressed the noble sentiment, "that the Presidency of 
the United States was an office not to be sought or de- 
clined." In 1822, the next year, the Legislature nomi- 
nated Calhoun. There was an attempt made to nomi- 
nate General Jackson, by General Glasscock, of Edge- 
field, but he was fairly hooted down. Henry L. Pinckney 
made a violent speech against the nomination of Jack- 
son, and all the Calhoun pai'ty were then opposed to 
Jackson. Next to Calhoun himself, it was supposed that 
John Q. Adams was at that time the choice of this party. 
In 1823 Calhoun was withdrawn in Pennsylvania, and 
nominated by the Jackson party of that State for the 
Vice Presidency. His friends in South Carolina imme- 
diately took the hint and went over to "the hero of New 
Orleans.'' Jackson \va& accordingly nominated by the 
Legislature in 1823. 

In 1822, William H. Crawford, of Georgia, had a 
strong and most respected party in South Carolina. 
Judge Smith, Governor Taylor, Judge Earle, Governor 
Williams, Judge Evans, and many others were Crawford 
men. But there was a majority opposed to him, and 



204 History of Nullification. 

Judg;e Smith was beaten in consequence of belonging' to 
the Orawfonl and States' Rights, or Radical party. 
F'roni the time General Jackson was nominated, the 
friends of Calhoun were most cordial and hearty in his 
su])port. His military services were lauded to the skies. 
He was the greatest and best of men. The common 
people were enraptured with his military glory. Any 
one who opposed him was denounced. All the candi- 
dates for office had to become Jackson men, or they 
were sure of defeat in the election. Many of Calhoun's 
friends who had been very hostile to Jackson, when 
Calhoun himself was in the field, were now mo«t clam- 
orous for "old Hickory." I heai-d General Thompson 
say that McDnfHe wrote him in 1822, that no one 
thought of running Jackson out of Tennessee, except 
the wagoners of Pennsylvania. Henry L. Pinckney was 
then editing the Charleston Meicury, and became a 
•'whole hog" Jackison man. 

In 1824 General Jackson was defeated by John Q. 
Adams. The election devolved on the House of Repre- * 
sentatives in Congress, and Clay and his friends went 
over to Adams. Calhoun and his friends raised a cry 
of coalition between Adams and Clay. They were de- 
nounced as coi-rupt and disgraced. It became almost 
an unpardonable offence to defend Ada.ms. Judge Earle 
continued an Adams man till 1827. He was then neu- 
tral. This Jackson mania continued till 1828, when the 
agitators in South Carolina turned their attention to 
the Tariff. Although violent in their opposition to the 
Tariff, they were warmly in favor of General Jackson, 
who voted for the Tariff of 1824 and was avowedly a 
Tariff candidate. , 

In the summer of 1823 there were numerous anti- 
Tariff meeting's held throughout the State, as I have 
before said. At these meetings McDutfie, Harper, 
Hayne, Hamilton and othei- leading men addressed the 
people in the most exciting terms. The Tariff was rep- 



History of Nillificatiox. 205 

ivsented as beino- desti-uetive of the Southern States. It 
was called a system of I'obbery and plunder. Resolu- 
tions were passed pledging the meetings not to purchase 
any Northei-n mannftictures or Kentucky horses. All 
dressed themselves in homespun. The members of Con- 
gress retuiiied to Washington dressed in homespun. 
But their patriotism was short lived. They, who were 
first to set the example, were, in many instances, the 
first to break it. President Henry, of the South Caro- 
lina College, sent back to a merchant in Columbia a 
piece of Northern homespun, purchased by Mrs. Henry. 
McDuffie pulled off his broadcloth coat and gave it to 
his servant. sa\'ingit wasfit oidy for the livery of slaves. 
I saw Judge Huger i-efuse to eat Irish potatoes because 
they were from the North. General Thompson said he 
would live on snow birds, and walk round the circuit on 
foot rather than eat Kentucky pork or ride Kentucky 
horses ! 

The Legislature met in November, 1828, and the 
Tariff was discussed two weeks. Parties were just be. 
ginning to be formed as to the future action of the 
State. All were opposed to the Tariff, but they differed 
very widely as to the mode and measure of redi-ess. 
Some were moderate and others most violent. Hugh 
S. I^egare was at the head of the first party, and Chan- 
cellor Harper of the latter. A great numbei- of resolu- 
tions were offered. Almost every member who spoke 
prefaced it v.ith a set of i-esolutions. After long debate'. 
all these resolutions were referred to a committee, of 
which Colonel James Gregg, of Columbia, was chairman. 
Colonel William C. Pi-eston applied to Mr. Calhoun to 
write a report for the adoption of the Legislature. This 
document was accordingly prepared by Mr. Calhoun, 
and sent to the committee who reported it to the House 
for their adoption. It was the embodiment of Nullifica- 
tion, but disguised with a great deal of metaphysical 
ingenuity. The Legislature were not prepared at that 



200 HiSTOKV OF Nl LLIFK'ATION. 

time to adopt it. The i-esolutioiis aeconipanyintj tlie 
report wei-e adopted, and the repoi't itiself ordered to be 
printed. Thi.s was the only action it received at that 
time. It nevertheless went forth to the world as the 
action of the Legislatui-e. Thousands of copies were 
printed in pamphlet form, and distributed all over the 
State and United States. It made a pamphlet of fifty 
or sixty ])at>es. and was written with great ability. In 
i1 the Tariff was discussed at great length, andtheiight 
of a State asserted to interpose and arrest an unconsti- 
tutional law ]jruposed by Congress. It was contended 
that this interposition of a State must stop the enforce- 
ment of the law and compel Congress to call a Conven- 
tion of all the States to settle the question. If three- 
fourths of the Convention should determine the act to 
be constitutional, then the State intei'posing must yield, 
otherwise the act must be i-egai'ded as null and void! 
This was the origin of Nullification iu South Caiolina. 
From tliat day the doctiine began to be embraced and 
was openly avowed by the politicians. 

From 1828 to the Vail of 18:U), there was a gradual 
formation of ])arties in South Carolina, for and against 
Xullification. In the wintei* of 1829 and 1830 occurred 
the famous debate on Foote's I'esolutions, in which 
(lovernoi- Hayne announced the doctrine of Nullifica- 
tion, and called it "the Caiolina Doctiine." This gave 
iiieat pojHdarity to the doctrine in South Caiolina, 
duiing the Spring and Summei- ensuing. The speech of 
Ml-. Webster in reply to (lovernor Hayne was a most 
tiiuniphant refutation of the doctrine and vindication 
of the Constitution. Rut it was also an argument in 
favor of the Tariff, and therefoie not po[)ular with the 
Southern ])eople. Felix (Jrundy, of Tennessee, took sides 
with (irovernor Hayne and urged pretty much the same 
argument in debate. 

In the sunimei- of 1880, the propriety of calling a 
State Convention in South Caiolina was discussed bv 



History of Nillifkatiox. 207 

the landidates for the Let>islature all over the State. 
On this question pai'<"ies wei-e formed and elections 
turned in every District. Nullification was kept in the 
back ground, and nothing advocated beyond a conven- 
tion. The action of the State was to depend on the 
convention. The people were to decide for themselves 
in convention, what course of action should be adopted 
to i-esist the enforcement of the Tariff in South Carolina. 
This was considered the most prudent and politic course 
by the advocates of Nullification, as it would unite many 
in favor of a conv(Mition, who were opposed to the doc- 
trine of Nullification. In this way the State was earned 
foi- a convention, and ultimately for Nullification. Those 
who opposed a convention were denounced as Federal- 
ists, aristocrats, and Taiiff men, who were afraid to 
trust the people. There wei'e a. good many who weie 
strongly opposed to Nullification, and yet went for a 
convention on the ground that the people ought to de- 
cide foi- themselves so grave and momentous a question. 
There were others, however, who, although decided in 
their opposition to the Tariff, did not go for a State 
convention. They could not see how it was possiblefor 
a convention to remedy the evil, unless it was by resort- 
ing to Nullification, disunion and civil war. They 
regarded the convention as Nullification in disguise, and 
that Nullification was nothing less than the destruction 
of the National Government. They were unwilling to 
break up the Union to get rid of the Tariff. This class 
of persons assumed the name of "Union men," and the 
others that of ''States' Rights and Free Trade." 

It was vei-y natural that the Tariff men should fall 
into the ranks of the Union party, as they were not 
disposed to break up the government to get rid of a 
measure which they approved. But strange as it may 
seem, the fact is that many of the advocates of the pro- 
tective system became nullifiei-s, and were soon the most 
violent of the party ! It would also seem natuinl that 



208 HlSTOIJY OF XlLLiriCATION. 

all the Federalistw should take sidas uitli the Union 
party, but many of these old Federalists became furious 
States' Rijihtsmei) ! Kobeit J. Tuinbull was a signal 
instance. Calhoun, Hamilton and McDuffie were the 
most thorou*i,h Nationalists in 1820, and advocated the 
system of intei'ual improvements, hanks, See. And they 
were opposed to the Virginia doctrine of States' rights. 
On the other hand it might have been su[)))osed that the 
old States" Rightsmen and Radicals would have been 
found in the ranks of the "Free Tnide and States* 
Rights" jKirty. But this was not the case. JudgeSmith, 
(lovei-nor Williams, (leneral Blair and other prominent 
Hadieals joined the Union ranks. In fact there was in 
the new oi-ganization of parties, a complete amalgama- 
tion of all patties and distinctions. Judge Smith and 
Judge Huger, who had been widely opposed all theii- 
lives in politics, found themselves acting together as 
Union men. Governor Miller, a States' rights num, 
acting in concert with McDuffie and Hamilton, his life 
long opj)onents, and in opposition to his old political 
leadei-. Judge Smith. 

In most of the Districts, the election for members of 
the Legislature in 1830, tui-ned on the call of a State 
convention. In some of the I)isti-icts,howevei-, the ques- 
tion of Nullification was made, as it ought to have been. 
This was done in Abbeville District, and the anti-Nulli- 
fication ticket pi-evailed. In Pendleton all the candi- 
dates came out in favor of a convention, but some of 
them afteiwards went against Xullification. In Charles- 
ton the Nullifiei-s had tact enough to start an un- 
pledged ticket and succeeded in electing one or two of 
theii- candidates. Judge Huger resigned his seat on the 
Bench, and was elected to the Legislature from Charles- 
ton. Mr. Poinsett was also elected at the same time. 
Mr. Petigru was beaten for the Senate by Richard Cun- 
ningham. In (ireenville. (ieneral Thom])S()n was de- 
feated on tlu' ground that he was in favor of a conven- 
tion. 



History of Nullification. 209 

The Lpgiylature met in November 1830, and waw the 
ablest Lejiislature which liad met in the State for many 
j'ears. Each party had put forth its strongest men. Of 
the Union party, there were Judjre Smith, Judge Huger. 
Governor Manning, Mr. Poinsett, Colonel Williams and 
others. On the Nullification side there were Colonel W. 
C. Preston, Alfred Hugei-, Barnwell Rhett, Colonel F. 
Huger and otheis. These two Hugers were then acting 
with the Nullification party, but both of them after- 
wards weie in syiupathy with the Union party. Judge 
Huger made a speech of great ability on the Tariff, Con- 
vention, Nullification. Disunion, etc Colonel I'restou 
replied in a very eloquent and brilliant speech and the 
debate was continued for two weeks. There was a small 
majority of the House in favor of calling a, Convention, 
but not two-thirds, so the measure failed for a season. 
How the vote stood in the Senate I do not now remem- 
ber. It was confidently expected by the Union party 
that they would gain the ascendency in the State, at the 
next election. But in this we were greatly mistaken. 
There is no doubt that a majority of the Legislature 
and a majoi-ity of the people of South Carolina, were at 
that time opposed to nullifying the Tariff laws. The 
members were afraid to recoid their votes in favor of 
nullification. The debate led to a challange between 
Judge Huger and Bain well Rhett. which was however 
.settled amicably and honorably. 

During this session of the Legislature, "The Free 
Trade and States' Rights Association" met in <\jlumbia 
for the purpose of organizing their party more effectu- 
ally". They had already formed in each district a club 
which the Union party called Jabobin. These clubs 
eventually gave them the power of the State. They 
were first suggested by Governor Hamilton. Their pur- 
pose was to have concert of action throughout the 
State, raise money, publish campaign documents and 
distribute them amongst the people. If the Union part}' 



210 History of Nulijfication. 

had pursued the same course they would not have been 
beaten so easily as they were in the next election. 

In the Spring of 1831, the Free Trade Association met 
in Charleston. The most infianimatory speeches wei-e 
made to stir up the South against the North. It was 
])retty well ascertained abont this time that the nulli- 
fiers had a majority in the State, and this cnrried over 
all the donbtful, timid and wavei-ing All who wished 
office joined the majority. The nullifici-s were the 
agitators, active and indefatigable, whilst the Union 
party was wholly inactive. In every disti'ict there was 
a meeting of these agitators once a month on saleday. 
and the doctrine of nullification explained. They 
declared it a peaceful remedy to get rid .of an unconsti- 
tntional act of Congress. It was said to be the Virginia 
doctrine originated by Mr. Jefferson in 1798. 

In theO^il of 1831, Mr. Calhonn was elected United 
States Senator in the place of General Hayne, whom he 
induced reluctantly to i-esign, that he might take his 
place in the United States Senate, and General Hayne 
was elected Governor of South Carolina,. The Union 
party, about this time, held their first convention in 
Columbia for the purpose of adopting some mode of re- 
sistance to the Tariff. A Southern convention was 
recommended and delegates appointed to visit each one 
of the Southern States. It was manifest that the peo- 
ple desired some measure of relief in order to get rid of 
this onerous taxation. Judge David Johnson was sent 
to Georgia and addressed the convention then in ses- 
sion at Milledgeville. The object of this nnssion was 
however more to check the progress of nullification in 
that State than anything else. The nullifiers under- 
stood this, and sent Chancellor Harper to counteract 
any impression which Union delegates might make in 
Georgia. Judge King was sent to Tennessee. He ad- 
dressed the Legislature in session at Nashville and was 
favorably received. Judge Huger and Mr. Poinsett 



History of NuLLiFirATioN. 211 

\\>*i-e to <>'o to Virf>inia and Noi-tli Carolina. Mr. Cress- 
well was sent to Alabama. 

In the P"'all of 1832, our second Union Convention 
assembled in Columbia dnrin*>' the session of the Leois- 
lature. Aftei- the Fall elections were over, it was ascer- 
tained that two-thirds of both houses of the Legislature 
would be in favor of ca]1in«»: a State Convention. Gov- 
ernor Hayne immediately convened the Legislature, 
which called forthwith a Convention of the State. This 
Convention embraced the leadinp; men of both parties 
and was a verv able assembly. Judge O'Neall, Judge 
Richardson and Alfred Hnger were elected by Spartan- 
l»urg District, although they did not residethere. Jndge 
Hnger was elected by Horrj^ District, and Governor 
Middleton was sent from Greenville. On the other side, 
XFcDuffie, Hnger, Hamilton, Harper, Colcock, Barnwell 
and Rhett wei-e elected members of the Convention. 

The piocerdings of this Convention I have given 
elsewhere and will not repeat them at any length. The 
ordinance of nullification was adopted without debate. 

The Union members saw that argument would avail 
nothing, for every Nullifier was like a drilled soldier 
ready to obey orders, and vote as the party should 
liirect. The ordinance was drawn by Chancellor Harper 
and provided for a dissolution of the Union. The Tariff 
laws were declared null and void, and the Judges and 
Juries were to be sworn to say so whenever the question 
came before them. The T.,egislature was authorized to 
make all laws forcarryingtheordinanceintoeffect. The 
address to the people of the United States was wiitten 
by Governor McDuffie. Robert J. Turnbull drew the 
address to the people of South Carolina. The exposition 
of the Tariff was from Governor Hayne. The Conven- 
tion adjourned and the Legislature assembled im- 
mediately afterwards. They proceeded to appropriate 
money for the purchase of arms. An army of twenty 
thousand voluntef>rs was raised to enforce the peaceahh 
remedv. 



212 History of Nullification. 

It was under these cireunistaiiees that the second 
Union Convention assembled. Our object was to pre- 
serve the Union and defend ourselves. It was decided 
not to take the oath of the ordinance. Letters were re- 
ceived from President Jackson, declaring: the proceed- 
ings of the State Convention treasonable. The pro- 
tection of the United States was promised. Forces were 
sent to Castle Pickney and Sullivan's Island. These 
Forts were put in a. proper state of defence. General 
Scott was sent to take command of the United States 
forces. The sloop Natchez was stationed in the port of 
Chai-leston, and the nnllifiers were themselves com- 
pletely checkmated. The Ordinance of Nullification 
declared that no customs should be collected in South 
Carolina after the first day of February, 1833. But the 
nullifiers called a meetin<>- of theii- party, in Charleston, 
and suspended the operation of the ordinance. Gov- 
ernor Hamilton had made an importation of sugar foi- 
the purpose of testin<>' the validity of nullification. He 
made his boast that they would all <>:o to the death foi- 
his suf»:ar. But his suoar was placed in Castle IMnckney, 
and remained there, till the duties were paid. No death 
happened. 

Great threats were made, and soon some show of pie- 
paration for an attack on Castle Pinckney. Contracts 
were made for provisions and supplies for the army, on 
its march to Charleston. In order to ti,et volunteers, 
the militia was called out and eloquent appeals made to 
them. But in the Spring,- a conipromise of the Tariff 
question was madeat Wa.s!iin<>ton by Clay and Calhoun. 
The protection of Domestic Manufacture, was pi-ovided 
for, but a gradual reduction of the duties was to take 
place. The acceptance of this compromise was very sur- 
prising. It was, in fact, an abandonment of princii)le, 
on the part of Mr. Calhoun and his party, as the com- 
promise fixed the Tariff on the country for ten yeai-s. 
Coarse woollens were subjected to an increase of duties. 



History of Nullifipation. 213 

I in mediately after this eoinpromise, the State Cotiven- 
tion was convened to rescind the Ordinance of Nnllifica- 
tiori. The Convention proposed to pass a.n ordinance, 
requijinji" an oath of alleo^iance to the State. Governor 
Wilson moved thnt all citizens he required to take it at 
the polls before they were allowed to vote. The oath 
was at last abandoned, and the Leo-islature instructed 
to pass it in the ordinary way, by an amendment of the 
Constitution. The Force Bill of Congress, providin<i' for 
the better (*ollection of the revenue, was nullified. 
General Blair said this was like "the idiot nullifying the 
whirlwind." 

In the Fail of 1833, the Leo:isla,ture abolished the 
whole mihtia system, for the purpose of gettin^j: rid of 
the Union otficers. They passed a. test oath requirin<2;all 
officers of the militia to sweai- alle,£i:iance to the State. 
This oath was indi<inantly refused by the Union party, 
and referred to the courts. The case was argued in 
Charleston and Columbia,, and decided to be unconstitu- 
tional. This was a great victory for the Union jjarty, 
and a sore defeat to the nullifiers. This oath was the 
subject of discussion throughout the State, in the Sum- 
mer of 1834. When the Legislature assembled, two- 
tliirds of both Houses passed it, and the Constitution 
was accordingly amended. The Committee declared 
that it was not intended to be inconsistent with the 
oath to the United States, and this explanation was ac- 
cepted by the Union party. But by many it was re- 
garded as an abandonment of principle. In after years 
the oath was taken by all without any hesitation or 
conscientious scruples. True allegiance to the State 
was not inconsistent with allegiance to the United 
States. There is, in fact, no difference in a Republic be- 
tween allegiance and obedience. It might be said that 
there is no such thing as allegiance in a Republic. The 
word was of Feudal origin, and has no application to a 
Republic. 



ra 
^ 



^ 
^ 



2 ^ 



^? 



^^^ 



HISTORY OF THE CONVENTIONS 

HELD IN COLUMBIA, S. C, IN 1832 AND IN 1833. 



WRITTEN BY GOVERNOR PERRY IN 1872. 



IN the Fall of 1832, a coiivetitioii of the State way 
called for the j)iii-])()se of tinllif,viii<i' the Tariff act.s of 
Conjiress. (Jovenior Heiii-.v Middletoii, Colonel Thomas 
V. Brockinaii, Silas R. Whitten and myself were elected 
membei-s of the coii\'eiition fi-om the District of (Jreeii- 
ville. Jndiie Earle, Doctoi- VVilliain Butler, William 
Thrustoii and Colonel Benjamin Ainold were the can- 
didates of the Nullification party. The Union majority 
at the election was about four to one in (Jreenville. 
Governor Middleton, before his mission to Russia, had 
been a citizen of this district, and owned a lar^e landed 
estate, which he sold to (leor<2,e W. Earle, Esq. The 
Summer pi-ecedin«i" the election the (jrovernor had spent 
in (ireenville, and as it was well known that he was a 
staunch Union man, we determined to put him in nomi- 
nation for the State Convention. 

Sunday evenin<2,' befoi-e the convention met in Colum- 
l)ia, Governor Middleton and myself went from the Con- 
garee Hotel, wherewe were boarding, to see JudgeHuger, 
at Hunt's Hotel, near the State House, where most of 
the Union membei-s were staying-. The Judge spoke of 
the pi-opriety of our not taking seats in the convention. 
He said it was improper for us to do so, and that he 
wished a meeting of the Union members that night to 
determine on the proper course to be pursued. After 
supper we all assembled, about thirty in numbei", dele- 
gates and visitors. Judge Richardson was called to 
the chair, and Judge Huger made a long speech against 
the delegates taking their seats in the convention. He 
said he had been sent by the Union party of Charleston 
to ur<>e this course. ''If we take our seats in the con- 



History of the Conventions. 215 

veiitioii/' said the Judge, "we shall be the ineans of 
keeping- the NullifiCfitioii [)aity together. We shall hear 
things saiil there that will call for blood!" He said it 
would be impossible to sit there and listen to their 
speeches without resenting what is said. " If they talk 
as I suppose they will, bk)od must be shed ! It cannot 
be avoide(J." 

Mr. Wilkins spoke next, and said that, although he 
had been sent by his constituents to take his seat in the 
convention, yet, if the Union party thought it bettei- not 
to do so, he woidd take the resp.)n.sibiHty of following 
their advice. The proposition of Judge Huger was op- 
posed at some length by Colonel Ervine and Colonel 
Phillips, of Chest ei held. I expressed ni}' willingness to 
acquiesce in any coui'se that might be adopted, but that 
I thtnight it better to take oui- seats. Judge Richai-d- 
Bon opposed the proposition, and urged strongly the 
pi-opiiety of going into the convention. It was then 
agi-eed to Dostpone the further consideration of the 
question till the next morning, at 9 o'(-lock. We met the 
next day agreeable to our adjournnient. Judge 
Huger was unwell and did not altend our meeting. It 
was decided that we should take oui- seats. The next 
question was, whetlier an oath would be re(]|uired of the 
delegates, and if so, what would be the nature of it? It 
seems that the Union members had some suspicion that 
an oath might be rt^quired, which would be inconsistent 
with their allegiance to the Federal Govei-nment. In 
ordei- to asceitain this fact, a committee was appointed, 
consisting of Judge Richardson, Governor Manning and 
myself. 

Judge David Johnson then addressed the caucus, and 
informed us that he had just returned fiom the State 
of Georgia, where he had been sent as a delegate by the 
Union party. Chancellor Haiperwas sent as a delegate 
by the Nullification party. On their arrival in Milledge- 
ville, Judge Johnson addressed a note to the State Con- 



216 History op thk Convkntion's. 

vention, whicli he found in session, and went before 
them to explain his views and those of ids i)arty in 
South Carolina. He said two-thiids of the people of 
Geor«iiavvere of the Union ])art;V. The nullifiers called 
themselves ''Resistance Men/' but would not assume 
the odious cojrnomen by which their political brethren 
in South Carolina wei-e known. They were for a South- 
ei-n convention. Both pai'ties had or<i,arnzed clubs and 
associations. He had ascertained that the South Caro- 
lina nullifiers would no into a. Southei'u Convention if 
it was pi'oposed l)y Geoi-j^in. 

The State Convention was oiganized at 12 o'clock, 
and was indeed a most di<iniiie(l assembly, containin«»' 
most of theoreat men of both parties in South Carolina. 
They were tine lookinji* gentlemen, and showed thei>reat- 
est respect foi" each othei- throu<;hout the whole sittin<2,' 
of the convention. No oath was i-e(piired of the mem- 
bers, and could not have l)een with any sort of |)ro- 
priety. (icnei-al Hamilton, then (Jovernor of the State, 
was elected Pi-esid<^nt. His address on takin*!,- the chair 
was a fine and appropriate (>ne. The members were 
called on toeiiroll theii- names, by districts, and the first 
district called was (ireenville. As I had headed the 
ticket elected fiom this district, it <i-ave me the honor 
of havino- my name at the head of the parchment Roll. 

A <-()mmittee of twenty-one was a})pointed by the 
President to take into consideration the Tariff, and re- 
port thereon. The convention met on Wednesday to 
hear the report, the Ordinance of Nullification was also 
repoited, and expressed very frankly the purpose and 
intention of the convention. I i-emend)er Jud<;e Hu«ier 
said it had cured him of his indisposition. He had read 
it on his sick bed, and immediately felt well enough to 
get up and dress! But he said the address on the sub- 
ject of the Tariff reported at the same time was most 
ably and dexterously drawn. The Ordinance of Nullifi- 
cation was drawn by Chancellor Harper, and the report 



History of the Conventions. 217 

on the Tariff by (jerieral Hayrie. The address to the 
people of South Carolina was wi-itten by Robert J. 
Turnbnll, Esq., and declared in plain lan<>ua<;e that no 
one should dare resist it. The addre.ss to the people of 
the several States was from the pen of Governor 
MfDuffie, and was really drawn with g:reat ability. 

The Union members held their caucus every ni^'ht and 
made speeches, eliciting- the views of each other ; and in 
this way we were enabled to act harmoniously and as a 
unit in the convention. I submitted one nijiht a resolu- 
tion, which I proposed to offer in the convention, refer- 
rinj)- all the action of the convention to the people for 
ratification or rejection. This was opposed by Jud<ie 
Hu<ier in a long: speech. I replied, and said, if the peo- 
ple of South Caiolina. were disposed to adopt the pro- 
ceedings of the convention, howev^er abhorrent they 
might be to my feelings and judgment, I was disposed 
to acquiesce in their action. Thirty years after this, 
when South Carolina seceded from the Federal Union, 
I put in practice the resolution I then proposed to 
adopt. Judge O'Neall and Governor Manning both 
spoke against the resolution. Judge Richardson advo- 
cated it, and Governor Middleton was in favor of its 
adoption, but did not speak. Finding the opposition 
so strong, I withdrew the resolution. 

It was proposed in the Union caucus to send delegates 
to Virginia and North Carolina, and agreed to. Judge 
Huuer and Mr. Poinsntt were appointed. The subject 
of the ''test oath" in the Ordinance of Nullification was 
most earnestly discussed in caucus. It proposed to 
swear a Judge to enforce the Ordinance of Nullification 
before he was allowed to sit on the trial of a case arising 
under it. Some of the Judges declaied they would never 
take it, and others gave no expression of opinion on the 
subject. Judge Huger was terrible in his denunciations 
of the test oath. He said when his rights had to be ad- 
judged by a perjured Judge and jury, it was a mockery 



218 History of the Conventions. 

of all juflieial rr-ials and justice Avas at an end. The 
Ofilinrt.noe of Nallifii;a,tion was to i»() into opera tion in 
Fehrnary. The convention then adjourned, hoj)in^- and 
expectinji' that Con*iress wonld make Konie modification 
of theTariff before theday when tbeordinance wanto i>'0 
into opera ti(jn. 

Towards the latter ])art of December, 1832. the Union 
party of South Carolina met in convention in Columbia 
durino- the sittino- ol' the lve<iisla1 nre, and commenced 
tlteir session in the Presbyterian chui-cli. The venerable 
Colonel Tayloi-, fathei' of Governor John Taylor, who 
had distinuuished himself asa^'allantotficei'of the Revo- 
lutionary war, was elected ])resident of the (H)nvei!tioii. 
Most of the distiniiuished Union men were mend)ei-s of 
this cor.vention. Resolutions wei-e (*^Uled for, and I sub- 
mitted a number adoi)ted at a ])ublic niectiiijj,- in (ireen- 
ville, as an indication of [inblic sentiment amongst my 
constituents. They wei-e leferred, with others of a simi- 
lar character, to a caucus at which Judfj,e Richardson 
pi-esided. Jud<ie O'Neall made a speecli and advised 
modei-ation. ,]ud<;-e Hu,i>er replied with £2,rea,t tact and 
ability. Jud<ie David Johnson then took the floor, and 
move(] an adjoni-nment. The next mornin<2,' he spoke 
for some time, ni-«iing prudence and moderation. Judge 
Hnger replied in a noble speech. He spoke of the 
tyranny and o])])ression of the dominant party, the dis- 
o-i-ace of the test oath and the hoi'rors of disunion. He 
completely demolished Judge Johnson's argument and 
appeal in favor of moderation. Whilst speaking, he 
said: "Can I be called a freeman, when lani tobetriedby 
a perjured Judge and a packed jury?" This expression 
met with great applause fi'omthe whole convention. If 
there bad been any disposition on the part of Judges 
O'Neall and Johnson to falter or waver in this matter, 
the speech of Judge Huger settled them. There was no 
flinching after that speech. 1 walked with Judge John- 
son from the committee room to the church. He said to 



History of the Conventions. 219 

me: "We shall all at>ree," and then nuid a letter just i-e- 
cnived from Colonel William CMmmiii<>-. of Geoi-gia, in 
which hedpprecMted any tumultuous risiiij^- of the people. 
'"This,'' said ('oloiiel Cumminii,-, ''would o?d y result in mur- 
derous bioils." He uroed on us to wait for the <j:,eneial 
governmeiitto put down nullifi(ration bysouie sif^nal act 
at oncp and forever. There wei-e few greater or wiser men 
than Colonel V\'illiam Cumminii- in Ameiiea at that 
time, and not one moie patiiotie, gallant and honora- 
ble. Judge Johnson told me not to go to the inaugura- 
tion of Governor Hayne, who was to be the first one to 
take the test oarh, when he qualified, as it would be 
countenancing moral |teijui-y. 

When the Convention assembled, Colonel Memminger 
submitted a plan for organizing the Union l)arty 
throughout the State for self-defence and protection. 
" Washington Societies" were to be formed in each dis- 
trict, vvith as many branches in evei-y neighborhood as 
possible. p]ach society was to have a. president and 
three viee-pi-esidents. In case of emergency, and in 
defence of their constitution and legal rights, these soci. 
eties wei-e to become military companies. Mr. Pc.insctt 
was commander-in-chief, with division officers in difiVr- 
ent sections of the State. Colonel Robert Cunningham 
was appointed for the upper division of the State. This 
looked very much as if we were preparing for war. 

Mr. Poinsett made a speech and told us that he had 
what he was g(iing to say from Genei-a.l Jackson himself. 
G(jvern(3r Hamilton, General Hayne, McDuffie and Colo- 
nel Drayton had taken a very active part ^n the election 
of (ieneral Jackson, and after the election they were 
invited to the General's room. He told them it was his 
intention to have had a South Carolinian in his Cabinet, 
but on reflection he did not think it advisable to make 
such an appointment. It would appear as if too many 
Federal honors were given to South Carolina. He him- 
self, was a native of South Carolina; Mr. Calhoun, the 



220 History of the Conventions. 

Vice-President, was a South Carolinian ; Mr. Poinsett, 
who held the hi<>hest rnisHion in Spanish Aineiica, was a 
South Carolinian, and Governor Michileton, who hnld 
one of themost important missions in Europe, wasaciti- 
sSen of South Carolina. If, therefore, he should ^ive 
another South Carolinian a seat in his Cahiner, he would 
not be doiny- justice to the other States. He expi-essed 
his <ireat obligations to them for their exertions in his 
election, and le^retted that he could not consistently, 
with his duty to the whole country, reward any of them 
for their kindness and frieinlship. Mr. Poinsett said 
this intei-view had ])roduced a coldness between the Presi- 
dent and all the South Carolina delegation, except Colo- 
nel Drayton. 

Mr. Petifi'ru made a speech the first nit>ht of our meet- 
ing;, which was a very beautiful one. He said : ''Nullifi- 
cation is not the State, nor have I ever believed that my 
country consisted alone \u the swamps of the lower part 
of the State, or the rocks of the upper part, nor the 
pines of the middle State; but I have been taught to be- 
lieve that my country was a wise ami i-ational system 
of liberty." This expression was nobly commented on 
by Judge Huger. He said he had remarked a thousand 
times that he would go with the State; but denied that 
the State was then acting-. The people had been cheated 
and deceived. He would lay down his life for South 
Carolina, but not for the tyrants who ruled her. He 
said he would not sheathe his sword in the bosom of a 
brother, but his own bosom should become the sheath 
of a sword before he would submit to tyranny and 
oppression. 

Two letters were read to the Convention from General 
Jackson, one to Mr. Poinsett and the other to Colonel 
O'Hanlon. In these letters he said the Governor's Mes- 
sage was rebellious throughout, and if he raised an army, 
it would be treason. He pledged himself to use all the 
power of the government to enforce the laws and ])Ut 



History of the Conventions. 221 

down nullification. I saw and read the letter to Colonel 
O'Hanlon many years afterwards. It was in Jackson's 
own handwritino,-, and was exceedin<^ly well written. It 
was a long letter, and breathed the same spirit and 
sentiments which were immediately afterwards so nobly 
and eloquently expressed in his proclamation. In organ- 
izing the Union party, Mr. Poin.sett said if guns were 
needed, the arsenal at Augusta would be opened to us. 
" Or," said he, "if you want money to sustain yourselves 
in defending the country, it shall be supplied you." 

On my return home, I iriet Colonel Francis H. Huger 
at Newberry Couit House. He was the libei'ator of 
Marquis LaFayette, from the dungeon of Olmuts, and 
as pure and gallant a gentleman as ever drew the breath 
of life. He spoke vei-y freely in regard to the action of 
the State Convention and Legislature, and said that if 
no one else in South Caroliim took the test oath, it 
would place Governor Hayne in no enviable position. 
The Colonel said Judge Gantt had told him that morn- 
ing that he would never take the test oath. Judge 
O'Neall told me in Columbia., that Judiie Ea,i-le was as 
unwilling to take it, as he or Judge Eichaidson was. 

State Convention of 1833. 

President Jackson's proclamation was issued soon 
after my return home from the Union Convention, and 
before the adjournment of the Legislature. It produced 
the greatest consternation in the ranks of the nullifiers. 
They saw then, for the first time, the reality of their 
danger, and the certainty of the failure of the issue they 
were precipitating on the country. They had the whole 
weight of the Federal Government, with its army and 
navy to oppose, and found litfle sympathy or hoj)e of 
help from the othei- Southern States. Nevertheless, they 
went on volunteering and organizing their troops, as if 
thev intended to be read v for action when the ordinance 



222 History of the Conventions. 

was to iio into operation. But before the appointed 
day, the people of (^hai-leston hehi a meetinj;- in the cir- 
ens, and postponed the oi'dinance and action of the 
State. 

The State Convention was ordered by Governor Ham- 
ilton, the President, to meet a«iain on the eleventh day 
of Mai-ch, 1833, for tlu' purpose of considering' the com- 
promise of the Tariff, made by Clay and Calhoun, and 
also to receive Benjamin W. Lei<2;h, of Viroinia, who had 
been sent by the Leoislatnre of that State, to South 
Carolina, as a. mediator between her a,nd the jreneral 
u-overnment. The Executive Committee of the Union 
[)arty issued a circulai- directin<>- their members not to 
attend the meetin^i' of the convention. They did not 
think it pi-oper that we should assist in repealinij,' the 
ordinance of Nullification. Its operation had ali-eady 
been postponed for the ])urp()se of repealin<>' it when the 
Convention should assemble. Letters wei-e afterwai-ds 
received fiom Jndj^e Hu<;eT' and Judg:e O'Neall, countej-- 
manding' the oi-der of the cii-culai*. 

The convention met at twelve o'clock, and the Presi- 
dent, (Jeneial Hamilton, made a, very pretty address, 
and resio'iied the chair for the |)Ui-pose of ils bein<i- filled 
by General Hayne, who luid been elected Gov^ei-iior of 
the State since the adj(jnrnment of the Convention. The 
correspondence of Mr. Leigh, commissionei- of Virginia, 
was then read, and oi'dered to be printed. Mr Leigh 
was invited to take a. seat in the Convention. Colonel 
Warren, a gallant old revolutionary officer, who had 
lost one leg in battle, and wluj was a very warm nulli- 
fier, moved that Mr. Leigh be styled ''Embassador" 
instead of commissioner, inasmuch as he came fi'ou) one 
sovereign State as hei- representative to anijther sov- 
ereign State, for the purpose of mediating between her 
and a third power oi- government. There was a good 
deal of logic in the gallant old Colonel's motion, had the 
premis'^s been as true as they were assumed to be by the 



History of the Conventions. 223 

dor-tr'ne of nullification. But no one had the courtesy 
1o second tlie motion, and it failed. Mf. Lei<2,h then 
made his appearance. Hewasa finelooking gentleman, 
stout and well built, ordinary stature, and about fifty 
years old. We were all pleased with his a.])peaianceand 
deportjnent, whilst he remained iti Columbia. Mr. Lei<ih 
had the reputation of beinii one of Virginia's greatest 
men, and the ablest lawyer in the State. 

Mr. Calhoun, who had just leturnedfi-on.i WashingLon. 
v^ as also invited to take a seat in the convention. He 
looked a good deal fatigued and care-worn. 1 heai-d 
him say afterwards, that he had to ride in an o])en 
wagon in or-der to reach Columbia in tinie foi- the con- 
vention. The adjustment of the Tai-iff, the mediation of 
Virginia, and the })assage()f theforce bill wereall i-efej-i-ed 
to the committee of twenty-one. Wednesday the com- 
mittee i-e])orted an oi-dinance i-epealing the Ordinanceof 
Nullification, and accepting the adjustment of the Tai-iff 
as a tiiumph of nullification. The report accompany- 
ing the oi-dinance boasted a good deal of the efficacy of 
nullification. But some of the hottest nuUiflers did not 
regard tlie compromise as a victory, and accepted it with 
great reluctance. Governor Miller, then United Statf^s 
Senator, spoke at length on the subject of the Tariff, 
and gave the history of Clay's bill, with a, great many 
hard thrusts at (ieneral Jackson. Barnwell Rhett, then 
Barnwell Smith, made a most violent speech, and said 
he had lost all attachment to the Union, and defied any 
one to lay his hand upon his breast and say he loved 
the Urnon ! He said the report was untrue, and that he 
voted for the report on the ordinance on account of the 
mediation of Virginia, and not on account of Clay's bill. 
This speech called up the gallant old Warren with his 
crutches. • He said he had fought for the Union, and bled 
for the Union, and that, although a warm nullifier, he 
for one, could lay his hand upon his heart, and say he 
loved the Union. "With the Union," said he, " we are 



224 History of the Conventions. 

evervthiii«i, and without it we are nothing;." These 
remarks had a most happy eftect on the convention. 
Governor Hamilton then rose and said he was mortified 
at the criticisms of Mr. Smith, and desired to know 
wherein the repoit was untrue. Some personal remarks 
passed between these two gentlenjen. Mr. Smith said 
when he spoke again, it should be in a way that the 
whole world might hear him. Mr. Robert Bai-nwell 
addressed theconvention inamostspirit-stirringspeech, 
and was in favor of accepting- Clay'scompromise. Gov- 
ernor Wilson then addressed the convention in favor of 
the report, and spoke in high ternjs of the triumph of 
nullification. The i^eport and ordinance were then 
adopted. 

Judge Richardson also spoke on the adjustment of 
the Tariff. The Judg;e's sy)eech brought out (leneral Mc- 
Duffle, who tieated the Judge's argument with some 
want of courtesy. He called the exceptions which the 
Judge made to the rtfiort as a "quibble," a "techni- 
cality," &c. He said it was with great reluctance he had 
consented'to vote for t he Tariff adjustment. The great 
inducement for his doing- so was the repeal of the duties 
on silks, linens and worsted .stuffs. These articles were 
purchased with oui' cotton. Some of us thought this a 
strange i-eason foi- him to assign foi- his vote. The 
summer befoi-e, he had ol)iected to the Tariff, because 
the duties on silks, &c., which were luxuries, had been 
reduced, whilst there was no i-eduction on the necessa- 
ries of life, such as ii'on, salt, and coarse woollens. Silks, 
linens, and worsted stuffs were not manufactured in the 
United Stat(?s, and therefore, all duties on such articles 
were for revenue and not for protection. The North 
uiight be willing to let these articles come free of duty, 
in order to raise a revenue on articles nuanufactured in 
the Unit.ed States. 

Judge Richardson replied to General McDuffie. Before 
(ioing so he came to my seat and asked me if I thought 



History of the Conventions. 225 

he ought to notice the rudeness McDufRe had shown in 
I'eplying to his argunient. I replied no. The Judge 
then said : "Now, upon your honor as a prieux chevcilior, 
you say this." I told him I did not think it became a 
gentleman of h's age aiid ])Osit'on to be too sensitive or 
captions. The Judge and McDuffle had had .some spar- 
ring at a public discuvssion the summer ])receding. Mc- 
Duffle alluded to his quitting the Hench to make politi- 
cal speeches, and sai<i "the shoemaker had better stick 
to his last." 

The ordinance nullifying Webster's force V)ill came up 
for discussion just before the convention a.djoui-ned. It 
contained an oath wlrch it was proposed every man 
elected to otHce in South Carolina should take, swearing 
that he was a. citiznii of the free and sovereign State of 
South Carolina,, thai he owed allegiance to the State, 
and abjured all other allegiance irntoinpatible with the 
same. In the Tef»()rt of the committee the woi'ds "fi-ee, 
sovei-eign and ind(q)endeMt State," ami also, "pi-imar-y 
and |)aiamount alleniance," the words " independent," 
"prima?-y," and "paramount," were stricken out in the 
committee of twenty-one, on motion t)f (Jenei-al Hamil- 
ton. The oath had been fi-a,med by a sub-committee, of 
which Tui-nbull was Chairman. Whilst it was under 
discussion in the conventian, Robert Barnwell moved to 
stiike out the oath altogether. He wish(Ml the Legisla- 
ture to pass the oath in the ordinary way, by amend- 
ment of the Constitution. Jude O'Neall made a capital 
speech in favor of striking out. Chancellor Harper 
replied, and went into the doctrine of Nullification at 
great length. In the course of his remarks he said that 
in no other country in the world, would the assembling 
of such a body as the Union convention have been per- 
mitted. They were actuated by a rebellious spirit, and 
actually nosing the Legislature in their capital. This 
severe and harsh language was unexpected froui Judge 
Harper, and gave just offense to his Union friends, sev- 



26 History of the Conventions. 

eral of wlioin were on the Bench witli him. Robert J. 
Turnbull then took the floor, and spoke like a tyrant 
vvonld have done with the j^ame in his own hands. In 
the course of his remarks he poured out the vials of his 
wratii on the Union party. Colonel Pliillips, of Chester- 
held, aftei-wards a nieml)er of Congress from Mobile, 
Ahtbfiuiri, Implied to him with great and deserved 
sevei-ity. His remaiks were ])ersonal. General Hamil- 
ton went overto Turnbull and sat l)y him wiiilst Phillips 
was speaking, and 1 have no doubt, urged him not to 
jHply. I*hillii)s was a young man of sjjirit and talent. 
As soon as he tot^k his seat Colonel Wan-en took the 
floor and moved an adjoui iiment. He said we were 
gettinir too hot, and lu^ wanted timeforus to cool down. 
It was Satui-day evening, and he said we could go to 
ehui(;h Sunday, hear prayers, and come back Monday 
morning, bettei- ])i'epared for business. The conventi(^n 
took a- recess till five o'clock that evening. 

When we met in the evening, tlie niediaTionof Virginia 
came up. and whilst tiie report and i-esolutions were 
under discussion, 1 moved that they be se[)arated. and 
gave as a reason for my motion, tiiat I could vote for 
the i-esolutions with a great deal of pleasure, but the 
report contained doctrines whicii I could not sanction 
with my vote. They wei-e accordingly separated and 
the resolutions passed unanimously. The convention 
then adjourned till Monday. 

It wasgenei-aliy understood that further efforts would 
be made to biii.'g about a compi-omise between tlie two 
parties, and our abandonment of the test oath. Wlien 
the conv^ention met Monday moi-ning, Mr. Burt, of 
Abbevill(% came to me, and said that his J)arty were 
anxious to hear the Union membeis express their senti- 
ments, freely and fully on Wilkins' bill,thatif they would 
pledge themselv(\s to resist that odious ft)i-ce bill, it 
would have great weight with the nullifiers in di-opping 
the test oath. Judge Colcock i-ose and called on Judge 



History of the Conventions. 227 

O'Neall to let them ktiow the views of the Union nieni- 
hers. He also expi-essed the hope that othei- rnenibers 
of the Union ])aitv wonld favor the convention with 
their views on the force i)ill. Jud^e O'Neall adtlreswed 
tlie convention in a few reina.rks, and I followed in a 
vspeech of some len<>th. 

I said that when I left home, I told m.v constituents 
the Ordinance of Nnllification wonld be repealed, and 
that we should once more be a united and hapj)y people. 
I thou<>ht theie was no one in the convention who 
wished to keej) u|> any longer our political division and 
party excitement. 1 had listen(^d, witii <»reat pleasni-e, 
to the i-emaiks of (JiMierfd Hannlton, and felt <>i-ateful 
to Mr. Bainwell UiV the motion hf^had made. The oath 
unihM- consi(h'rati()n was well calcuhited tocontinue and 
})e)-petnateour pai-ty <livisions. That there was asti-on^ 
pi-ein(h"ce on the j)art of ttie })eople a«iaiiist all oaths of 
a j)olitical or reli<iious character. That j>atriotism was 
not woi-th haxiuij,' which could oidy be s(M;nred Ity an 
oath. Our iiovei-nment was one of opinion, and not 
foi'ce. It is founded in the affections of the people, and 
not in theii' fears. The force bill would become a dead 
letter as soon as the ordinance of nullification was 
repealed. An attempt to force its provisions would then 
be tyranny, and this I would always resist, come from 
what source it may. 

(iovernoi- John I^yde Wilson took the floor when I 
had concluded, and made a most violent speech against 
the course ])ursued by the Union party, and induli>ed in 
much coarse abuse. He was then broken down, sottish 
in hiis habits, and a bankrupt in character and fortune. 
Whilst he was speaking- the Honorable A. Burt came to 
where Judge O'Neall and myself were sitting, and 
requested that we would not reply to him. He said 
Wilson was not speaking the sentiments or feelings of 
the dominant party, and they disclaimed his language 
and the course he was pursuing. Judge O'Neall said he 



\/ 



228 History of the Conventions. 

must reply to some of his remarks, but Mr. Baruwell 
moved a recess till four o'clock. In the mean time the 
nullifiers went into caucus as to the propi-ietv of giving 
up the test oath. The result was, to refer the whole 
lb itter to the Legislature to dechire what allegiance 
was, anil to prescril),^ the oath. Wlien the convention 
re-assembled, the pi-oposibion, drawn by Chancellor 
Johnston, was submitted as a c()mj)i()mise, and rejected 
by the Union party. It passed, however, by a very 
large vote, though it did not meet the a|)pr()val of the 
most violent of the nullifiers. Late iu the night (Jov- 
ernor Millei- moved to strike out the whole leference to 
the Legislatui-e, and the vote was 78 for, and 79 ag;nnst 
striking out. If all the union members lunl l)eeu |)resent, 
the motion would have prevailed, (iovernor Miller said 
too, it would be much better to protestagainsttheforce 
bill, than to nullify it. That if we protested all the 
South would be with us, and if we nullified we stood 
alone. The convention dissolved itself about eight 
o'clock in the night. 

Messrs. Barnwell, Miller and Colcock were the most 
moderate nullifiers in the convention. Hamilton, also, 
acted with considerable moderation. In the address 
delivered ln'(jeneral Hayne, as President of the conven- 
tion, he stated that the contest had just commenced, 
and was not over. We must go home, and keep up the 
si)irit by which we had been actuated foryears past, and 
that our services would yet be needed by South Carolina. 
This advice of Governor Hayne was followed until, 
thirty years afterwards, the country was plunged intoa 
civil war. 

Whilst the ordinance nullifying the force bill wasundei- 
consideration in committee, General McDutfie very wisely 
enquired how they proposed to nullify the military pro- 
visions of the bill? He thought the arujy and navy of 
the United States required something njore than an 
ordinance to nullify them. 



SPEECH OF HON. B. F. PERRY 



Public Mee!'ng in tlie Court House, Cecnviile, S. C„ on Monday tlie Ttiird Daf of Julf, 18l5 



[This is the speech that occasioned so much excitement at Washington 

and the North, when it was published and ascertained as the views 

of the " man " who had been appointed Provisional 

Governor by President Johnson, and caused 

a Cabinet meeting.] 



MR. CHAIRMAN: This y)ublic meeting- of the citi- 
. : zens of Greenville i.s one of deep humiliation 
and sorrow. A cruel and bloody war has swept 
over the Southern States. One hundred and fifty 
thousand of our bravest and most gallant men 
have fallen on the fields of battle! The laud is filled 
with mourninii' widows and orphans! Thei-e is searoelj 
a house in wliieh thei-e has uot been weeping for some 
one lost. Three thousand millions of dollars have been 
spent by the Southern States in cari-ying on this war! 
Aud uow we.are called upon to give up four millions of 
slaves, worth two thousand millions of dollais. More- 
over, our country has been i-avagedand desolated ! Our 
cities, towns and villages are smouldering ruins! Con- 
quering armies occupy the country. The Confederacy 
has fallen, and we have been deprived of all civil govern- 
ment and political lijihts! We have neither law noi- 
order. There is no proteetion for life, liberty or prop- 
erty. Everywhere there is demoralization, lapine and 
murder! Hunger and starvation are upon us! And now 
we meet as a disgraced and subjugated people to peti- 
tion the conquerors to restore our lost rights! Such are 
the bitter fruits of Secession! 

How different, Mr. Chairman, in tone, spirit and char- 
acter, was that meeting of the citizens of Greenville, 



230 Spekch, 

just five years a^io, in this same bnil(lin<>-, wliich inau- 
gurated tins most fatal, bloody and disastioiis i-(>volu- 
tioii ! Then all was joy, hope, excitement and confidence, 
Seated in my law office, lookinu towaids this ctiurt 
liouse, I saw a ciowd ol" peisoiis Tiishinii' in, composed 
of eoUejie boys, and their piofessois, meichants, 
mechanics, doctors, hiwyers and idlers from the hotel, 
with a sprinklin.i>()f farmersaiid [)lanters. Soon I heard 
the publii' s])eakin,ii' coiniuence, and the aii- was rent 
with the wild and rapturous applause of the excited 
audience. The uioie extravagant the d«Miunciations of 
the Union, the loudcM- were the shouts of applause! I re- 
peated in my heart the memoiable words of Chiist: 
•' Ffitlwr, for<iive tlwni. tlifv know not \yli;>t they do!'' 
My mind was tlien filled with thewoist forebodin>is as to 
the future. I thou«>ht I foresaw all the evils whieh have 
since befallen our l)elovr>d country. But my ])olitical 
influence was <ione, arul my voice was |)ow<m less to stay 
the a,n*i'ry and excited feelin,i>s of my fellow citizens. 

We were at that time, Mr. Chairuuin, the most pios- 
]teious, flee and hapi)y people on the face of the earth. 
The sun had never shone on an empire oi- nation whose 
future was more bright and <;loiious. But the public 
mind had, uid'ortunately, been ])repared, in the South- 
ern States, for thirty years past, for an effort at dis- 
union. The peo))le had been induced to believe that 
disunion would be a quiet blessin<>-, and that it uii<iht 
come witliout w.ir and bloodshed! The leadin<»- politi- 
cians of the South, were anxiously waiting- for some 
plausible pretext for secedin*»- from the American Union. 
The election of Abraham Lincoln, President of the 
I'nited States, by a sectional party at the North, was 
reo-arded as a favorable op|>ortunit3' for accomplishino; 
theii- lon<>' cherished pujpose. We weie told after this 
event that there was no longer any safety in the Union 
for slavery or our constitutional riohts. 

Let us now see. Mr. riiairman, if there was anv ti'Uth 



Speech. 231 

in this assertion. Mr. Lincoln was elected in direct con- 
formity of tht^ Federal Constitution. He was elected in 
consequence of the jtolitical divisions and dissensions at 
the South. Plad the Southern States been united on 
one <-andidate, instead of votino,- for three, the result 
would have been different. Mr. Lincoln only i-eceived a 
little more than oiin-third cf the votes cast in the Presi- 
dential election. He therefore went into office with a 
lai<;e majoiity of the American people ofjposecJ to his 
adnnnistiation. There was at that time a majority of 
twenty-seven mend)ei-s in the House of Representatives 
in Congress in oppositicju to President Lincoln. Theie 
was a majority of six niend)ers of the Senate of the 
United States opposed to him. And Sir, a majority of 
the Supreme Coui-t of the United States, wei-e opposed 
to the avowed principles of the Republican party, which 
elected Mr. Lincoln. Where then was the power of the 
President to injui-e the South, oi* invade the constitu- 
tional lights of the Southern Slates? He was in a 
minority in both Houses of Co]igiess, and in the Su- 
preme Ciurt, with a large majority of the American 
people opposed to him. He was powerless. No legisla- 
tion would be had and no appointment made, without 
the appi-oval of the Southei-n States through the Demo- 
ci-atic party. The election of President Lincoln was, 
then, no just gi-ounds for secession. 

But it was urged, Mr. Chairman, that the Republican 
party would soon obtain the ascendancy in both Houses 
of Congress, then the constitutioTml rights of the South- 
ern States would be destroyed. There was no reason for 
this assertion, when we reflect that a majority of the 
])eople of the United States were opposed to the princi- 
ples of the Republican party. Admit, however, for 
argument, that the President and his party might be in 
the ascendant and would make aggressions on Southern 
rights and institutions. Then, sir, we should have had 
the whole Democracy of the North rallying around their 



232 Speech. 

violated c(Mistitution, and stand iiio^ by the South. And 
if war had come, it would have been at the North, wheie 
the people wei-e divided, and not at the South \vhei-e the 
people were all united. It would have been a civil an wel' 
aK a sectioiic)] war, in the Union, and for the Constitu- 
tion of the Union. But sir, there was not tiie slightest 
probability of sueh an issue. The Republiea.n party 
voted almost unanimously in Congi-ess, in 1860, that 
they had no power to intei-fere with slavery in the 
States, and no wish to do so, if they had. When the 
Southern States seceded from the Union, and withdrew 
their membeis from Con<ii-ess, they took the Federal 
Government out of the hands of the Democracy and 
turned it over to the Republican party. They aban- 
don(>d their friends and allies, the Noithern Democracy, 
who had manfully stood by the South for more than a 
half century, to- the tender mercies of their ])olitical op- 
ponents and enemies. This was not in accordance with 
Southern honor and chivalry. 

What other cause had the Southern States for their 
act of secession? For ei<j,ht years immediately preced- 
intr this revolution, duiing- the administrations of Presi- 
dent Pierce and Buchanan, there was not an act of the 
Federal Government of which they complained. They 
could not complain, for the government was in their 
own hands. It is true the ^ovthevn State Legislatures 
had nullified certain acts of Conoress favorable to the 
South. But was this just cause of rebellino- aoainst the 
Federal Government? Should they not have adhered 
closer to that jrovernment, and assisted in enforcing its 
laws? How strange to think of the Southern States re- 
belling against a government of which they did not 
complain. 

It is said that the Southern States left the Union to 
preserve slavery! How fatal the mistake! Every one 
ought to have known that slavery was stronger in the 
Union than it possibly could be out of the Union. In- 



Speech. 233 

deed, The Union was its oidy safety and proteotion. 
Whilst in the Union we h;id the [)()wei- of lecaptuiing 
onr fugitive slaves. Ont of the Union we could have no 
such powei'. The whole civilized world was opposed to 
us on this question, and as a slave jjouer, vvouhi have 
looked upon us with scoinful jealousy. 

But, Ml-. Chaiiinan, the madness and folly of the 
Southern States, in coinniencin^- this revolution, is now 
manifest to all. There was fanaticism at the South as 
well as at the North. Politicians did all they could in 
botli sections tostii" up the worst {)assionsof the human 
heart, and make the ])eo|)le for<:et they weie felhjw citi- 
zens of one fiivat republic. We were told that the 
Noithern people would not fiiiht; that there would be 
no war; and offers weie made to drink all the blood 
that woidd be shed. History should have taught them 
that no fii-eat government like ouis evei- was or ever 
could be bi-oken up without war and all its dire conse- 
quences. 

How was it, Mr. (^hairman, that the Southern States 
failed in their lebellion? It is true that the contest was 
a most unequal one. Ei<iht million persons fi«2,htirig 
against twenty-two millions! The one having neither 
government, ainiy, navy or manufactur-es; and the 
other having all these, with an influx of foieigners and 
Southern negroes to increase their strength. The 
Southern people are an impulsive, enthusiastic people, 
but they want theenergy and perseverance of the North. 
I said to my friends at the beginning of the war, that 
my greatest apprehension was, that our soldiei-s would 
get tired of the war and quit it. I did not believeit pos- 
sible to hold in subjection eight nullions of people, scat- 
tered over such an immense territory as composed the 
Southern States, if they were disposed to make any and 
every sacrifice, as the Dutch Republic did in their war 
of independence. But, sir, one great cause of our failure 
was, that the heart of the Southern people never was 



234 Speech. 

in this revolution ! There was not a State, exoept South 
Carolina, in which there was a niajf)rity in favor of 
secession! Even in South Cai olina, there were many dis- 
tricts in which one-half of the voteis did iiot ji'o to the 
y)olls. 

Mr. Chaiiinan, T will liert^ frankly say, as I have oft(ni 
said during- the past four years, that theie was not a 
man in the United States who more deej)ly rejiietted 
the secession of the Southern States tlian T did at Ihe 
l>eoinnin<>- of the levolution. There is not now in the 
Southern States any one who feels more bittei-Iy the 
humiliation and (le<i?-adation of lioino- back into the 
Union than I do. Still, I know that I shall be more 
pi'osperous and hay)i)y in the Union than out of it. 

It has been too common, Mr. ('haiiMuan, to attribute 
the failure of this ,i>reat revolution to the President of 
the late Confedracy.(*) This, sir, is a mistake. The 
j)eoplewerethemselves to blame for its failure. They were 
unwiliirgtonmkethose saciifices which were essential to 
its success. Many who were most ])roininent in t he move- 
ment, never did anythinj^ for itafter the warcommenced. 
Inst(^ad of seekin<»' their proper position, in front of the 
battle, they sou<.;ht " bomb-pi'oofs " foi- themselves and 
their sons. There were others who f*ot into "soft 
places" and official positions, where they couhl specu- 
late and make fortunes on government funds. In fact, 
towards the lattei- part of the war, it seemed that every- 
one was tryiufi; to keep out of the arm3',and was wiilin<r 
to pay anythin<»:, and make any sacrifice to do so. 
When General Johnston surrendered his army, he had 
on his muster roll seventy thousand men, but only four- 
teen thousand to be carried into battle! (jeneral Lee's 
artny was in the same condition. Where were the ab- 
sentees? At home, on furlough, stayin<>- over their fur- 
lou<»hs, deserted and straii'^iing. At no time during- the 



'NoTK. — .Ipflcrson Uavis. 



Speech. 235 

last tliirt' ypai-s of the wai-, was lliprt^ aiore tlian otie- 
third of tliH aiiny ready to maicli into battle! How was 
it |)ossibIe for the yoMtherii people to siicceeiJ, actino- 
thus? 

Coii«iresK, too, Mr. (^hairiiian. is liieatly to blanie for 
their exeiii})tioiis. All [)etweea tlie a<ies of ei<2,hteen and 
forty-five, should have been foiced into the army and 
kept theie. It mattered not whether he was a. doctor, 
lawyer, preachei-, politician, editoi*, or school teacher. 
If an ab1«> bodied man, lie should have l»een sent to the 
ai"my. But straiiiie to sa.\', the two classes of meu wdio 
were mainly instiMimental in plunninfi,- their countryinto 
this nuul revolution, were all exempted by Congress, 
from fi^ihting-. 1 allude to tlie [joliticiaus and uews- 
paper editors, and sad to say, many of the preachei-s of 
the gospel encouraged iti This was not fair. The man 
who gets up a fight should always take his share of it. 

It has been said, and lepeated all over the Southern 
States, that the South has sustained a great loss in the 
death of President Lincoln. I do not thiid< so. Presi- 
dent Johnson is a much abler and firmer man than Lin- 
coln was. He is in every way more acceptable to the 
South. In the tii.st place, he is a Southern man, and 
Lincoln wasa Northern man. Heis a Democrat, and Lin- 
coln was a Whig and Republican. President Johnson 
was a slaveholder, well acquainted with the institution, 
and knows what is pioper to be done in the great 
change which is taking place. President Lincoln was 
wholly unacquainted with slavery and Southern insti- 
tutions. President Johnson is a man of iron will and 
nerve, like Andrew Jackson, and will adhere to his prin- 
ciy>les and political faith. On the other hand, President 
Lincoln showed himself to be nothing more than clay in 
the hands of the potter, ready to change his measures and 
principles at the bidding of his party. President John- 
son has filled all t-he highest and mo.st honorable offices 
in the State of Tennessee, with great ability, and satis- 



236 Speech. 

faction to the peoplf . Theie is no stain ov blot on liis 
jnivate character. The ablest speech ever deliveied in 
the Senate of the United States, on the issnes between 
the North ami South, was made by President Johnson. 
He voted for lireckenridjie in the Presidential canvass 
of 1S60. Judt>iiii2,- then fron) his antecedents, the South 
should have evei\v hope and confidence in him. 

Mr. Chairman, the future to my mind, is not so 
liloomy as some would have us believe. I have no 
doubt that in ten years the Southei-n States will be 
ha[)py and prosperous ajiain, and we shall fiini that the 
loss of slavery will be no loss at all to our real comfort 
and satisfaction. The planter and farmei- will find that 
his net profits are j;reater, with hired labor than with 
slave labor. Every iandholdei- can rent his farm or 
plantation for one-third of theiiross jiroducts. This is 
more than he now makes net, after subsistini»hisslaves. 
In tiutfi, very few fai-mers in this i-eoion of country make 
anythiui!: exceyjt by the inci-(aseof his slaves. Theseare 
divided out anionjrst his chihiren at his death, and they 
})ui-sue the samecourseof toih'ufrand stru«i:^lin<>tln-ouii,h 
life to raise nejiroes for their children. Ami thus the 
system jioes on r(I iuftmUim without profits or remu- 
neration. The lands ai-e worn out, and the country 
remains unimproved. If a planter or farmer is enabled 
to save anythinjr, after supporting- his establishment, it 
is invested in the purchase of more slaves. Hence 
im^reased wealth adds nothinji" to the enjoyment of life, 
or to the improvement of the country. 

The idleness and vaorancy of the ne<>ro in a free state 
may be a. nuisance to society. It must be corrected in 
the best \va,y we can. No one should turn off his negroes 
if they are willinix to renmin with him foi' their victuals 
and clothes and work as they have heretofore done. 
They have had no aoency in brinoinij; about the chang:e 
which has taken place, and we should feel no ill-will 
towards them on that account. 



Speech. 237 

Mr. Chairman, as much as we all *eel the huniil^Mt" on 
and deoradation of our present situation, and deeply 
lament the losses which have befallen the Southern 
States; yet we should be happy to know that this cruel 
and bloody war is over, and that peace is once more 
restored to unr country. This is a great consolation 
amidst our wants, distresses and humiliation. The hus- 
band will have no longer to leave his wife and children ; 
the father and mother will not be called upon any more 
to give up their sons as victims to the war. It is to be 
hoped that, in a very short time, civil government will 
be restored in South Carolina; that law once more will 
reign supieme over the State, and that life, liberty and 
property will be protected everywhere, as they hereto- 
fore have been. 

The resolution.-! submitted to this meeting express a 
hope, on the part of the people of Gi-eenville, that the 
President will enlarge his amnesty proclamation, and 
grant a pardon to all those who are liable to pro.secu- 
tion. The secession of the Southern States was far 
greater and very different from a rebellion proper. It 
was organized by constitutional sovereign States, acting 
in their sovereign capacity, and not by unauthorized 
assemblages of citizens. Treason may be committed 
against the State of South Carolina, as well as against 
the United States. After South Carolina left the Union 
all her citizens were liable as traitors in the State courts 
who took sides with the United States and fought 
against her. If they were liable to be punished as trai- 
tors in the United States courts for taking sides with 
the State, then all were traitors and liable to beexecnted 
as traitors, whether they fought for or served the one 
or the other government. This would indeed be a most 
cruel and lamentable condition. Death was their por- 
tion, act as they might. To stand neutral the}^ could 
not, and to choose between the State and United States 
was death ! Surely a principleso monstrous and absurd 



238 Speech. 

cannot be enforced. There were thousands and Imn, 
dreds of thousands in the Southern States who deeply 
reg'retted the secession of their States, but after the 
vState seceded felt that their first allegiance was due the 
State. 

But, Mr. Chairman, the se(^ession of eleven or twelve 
sovereign States, composing one-half of the territory of 
the United States, was something more than a rebellion. 
It was legitimate war between the two sections, and 
they acted towards each other throughout the war as 
recognized belligerents, and were so ti-eated and recog- 
nized by foreign nations. Prisoners were exchanged 
between the two belligerents, and none were treated a.s 
traitors during the whole of the four years' war. Hun- 
dreds of thousands of piisoners were thus exchanged. 
The highest generals as well as the humblest privates 
were treated as captured soldiers by both governments 
and exchanged. Surely a general officer who has been 
exchanged while this gigantic war was waging, cannot 
now be demanded as a traitor, tiied and executed as a 
traitor. There have been few national wars in Europe 
in which greater armies were cai'ried into service and on 
the field of battle. To call such a, war a rebellion simply 
is a misapplication of terms. The greatest and best 
men of the Southern States were most conscientiously 
leading this war, either in council or on the field of 
battle. In all history there is not a more perfect model 
of a pure unci grent mfin (sa.ve Washington) tlmji 
General Lee. That he should now be hung as a 
traitoi-, would be an act of national infamy, that would 
shock the whole civilized world, and render the name of 
the United States odious in history. 

Whilst I do not think, Mr. Chairman, that the whole 
people of the Southei-n States have behaved well in this 
war, and done their duty at home and on the field of 
battle, yet there is a very large proportion of them who 
have won immortal honors, and whose glory in war, and 



Speech. 289 

wisdom in council will illustrate many a bright page in 
history. They have been unsuccessful in their revolution, 
but this should not, and does not, detract from theii- 
heroic gallantry on the field of battle, or their states- 
manship in the cabinet or halls of legislation. They will 
be remembered and honored as heroes and patriots, not 
only at the South, but in the North, too, as soon as 
passion subsides, and sober reason and calm reflection 
assume their sway over the public mind. 

I cannot, and would not, Mr. Chairman, ask my 
fellow citizens to forget the past, in this war, so far as 
the North is concerned. There have been deeds of atroc- 
ity committed by the United States armies, which never 
can be forgotten in the Southern States. But I do 
entreat them to become loyal citizens and respect the 
national authorities of the Republic. Abandon at once 
and forever all notions of Secession, Nullification and 
Disunion, determined to live, and to teach youi- children 
to live, as true American citizens. There will be in the 
future, if there is not now, as much of pride and grand- 
eur in the name of " American citizen," as there once was 
in that of "Roman citizen." The Republic is destined 
to go on increasing in national power and greatness for 
centuries to come. As soon as the ferinent of the revo- 
lution subsides, we shall be restored to all our civil 
rights, and be as free and republican as we ever were. 
There is no reason why there should be any sectional 
jealousy or ill-feehng between the North and the South. 
They are greatly necessary to each other. Their inter- 
ests are dependent and not rival interests, and now that 
slavery is abolished, there will be no bone of contention 
between the two sections. 

I thought, Mr. Chairman, that when the Southern 
States seceded there was an end to Republican institu- 
tions, that the great American experiment was a failure, 
and that we should soon have, both at the North and 
in the South, strong military governments, which would 



•J40 SrKKrii. 

l>e Kopublioan mi iu\nu» only. l>ut, s"r. my hopo of 
ivpublican institutions lias ivvivoti with tho ii'st oration 
of tho Tnion. It is a oiyinu; shame to tluuk that man- 
kind, fret^ and enliiihtontHi. aiv not capable oi jrovornin^i- 
themselvt\<! That thev must have a master, or ruler, 
in the shajv of a kinii' or monareh to govern thenu who 
may not have as much sense or virtue as the humblest 
of his subjtM'tsI If eivil iiin-erumeut is onee more it-- 
stoi*t\l in the South, and the ship of State ir^'ts fairly 
under wt\v ajrain. we may Iv assuivd of the j.>er|H^tuity 
of Republiean prineiplrs. 

In all the stHvdiuiT Stat*^. exot^pt South Carolina and 
Fh^ritla. provisional jrovernors have l>een appointetl 
with a view to the ivstoration of eivil authority in those 
States. This has not Uvn done in South Can^lina. l)e- 
eause the |XHipIe have not vet oiven suttieifut demon- 
stration of their willinjrness to return to their alleuiamv 
to the UnittHl States. As soon as this is done by the 
[HH>pIe. in their primary assemblies, a provisional gov- 
enuu' will Ih» appointeil by the President, with power to 
eall a convention of the State for the purpose of ivform- 
ing the Constitution and abolishing slavery. When this 
is done and the Constitution approvtxl by Congress, the 
State will l>e alloweil to resume her position aiiaiu in the 
Fetleral rnion. The j>eopIe will elect their meml>ei"s of 
the Leiiislatur>^». and o-overn themselves as hejvtc^fore 
they have done. The mihtary authorities will Iv with- 
drawn, and civil jrovernment i-estoreii. Iti North Caro- 
lina all loyal citizens aiv alloweil to vote for memlvrs 
of the convention who weiv legal voters theiv pivvious 
to the revolution. The same course will be pursueii in 
all the States. The riirht of suffraire afterwards will l>e 
ngulateil by the Legislature of each State. 

The ivsolutions which I have had the honor of sub- 
nutting for the adoption of this meeting, are similar in 
purport to those ad«>pte<.l at Charleston. Columbia. 
Abbeville and other platvs. They simply expivss our 



Speech. 241 

willingneHH to adopt the tarmn of the Prewident '8 procla- 
mation and return to our allej^ianre. NVelikewiw^ a8k for 
the apjiointnient of a provinional ^overncir and the res- 
toration of the civil authorities. There is nothing in 
these resr»hjtions to which the most HHUH\t\vn can objerrt. 
If a man is in a loathsomedungeon thereis no impropri- 
ety in asking to I>e released, no matter how innocent he 
may have bef^n . Nor is there anythinjr wronjr in his prom- 
isinji' to behave himself if restored to his iiljerty. The 
resolutions likewise provide for sendinj^ some one to 
reprf^sent the situation of the country to the President. 
This has l>een done in other States, and in otht^r districts 
of this State. It may have some influence on the action 
of the Federal Government to have a full and fre*? con- 
ference with the President in reference to the condition, 
wishes and feelings of the State. It is reported that 
President Johnson receives kindly all suggestions which 
are made in r<'ferenc^ to the i-f^f-onstruction of the 
States. 

Mr. Chairman. I thank you sir. and tlii^ large and 
most respectable assemblage of the citizens of Green- 
ville for their patience and courtesy in listening to me, 
and most devoutly pray to (jo(] that we may \xi once 
more ^ free, happy nnd united people. 



*^m^ 



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^ 



ACCOUNT 



Provisional Governorship of South Carolina in 1865. 



By B. F. PFRRY. 



I First Published in 1873.) 

jrar| FTER the downfall of the Southern Confederacy, 
X^ and the surrender of her armies in Virginia 
and North Carolina, there was no government in 
South Carolina, and no legal protection of life, 
liberty, or property. This condition of affairs was 
truly alarming, and every good citizen in the State 
was anxious to see the establishujent of a Pro- 
visional Government. In June, 1865, it was an- 
nounced in the newspapers that Governor Aiken had 
been sent for to Washington and it was surmised that 
President Johnson desired to consult with him in i-egard 
to the oi'ganization of civil government in South Caro- 
lina. It was supposed and anxiously wished that he 
might be appointed Provisional Governor of the State. 
But in a short time it was understood that Governoi- 
Aiken had l)een carried to Washington under arrest, but 
was immediately released on his parole. The cause of 
his arrest has never been known to the public. He 
returned to Charleston, and it was said he might still 
receive the appointment of Provisional Governor. 

About this time the Honorable W. W. Boyce was 
announced as having arrived in Washington and being 
closeted with the President, in regard to the condition 
of affairs in South Carolina. The newspapers then 
stated that he was to receive the appointment of Pro- 
visional Governor. Everywhere all over the State it 



Provisional Governorship. 243 

was a source of eon<»Tatulation that a (gentleman of Mr. 
Boyce's abilities and character should receive the 
appointment. Public ineetinfrs were held in Newberry, 
Anderson and other places uro-in^^- his appointment. In 
the mean time Mr. Boj^ce returned home. Judge Orr 
went to see him and ascertained that the President had 
said nothing to him about appointing him Pi-ovisional 
Gf)vernor of the State. Mr. Boyce told Judge Orr, that 
when he reached Danville on his way to Washington, he 
took the amnesty oath before a Provost Marshal, and 
got a certificate of the same. He met no one on the 
cars who recognized him, and when he arrived in the 
Federal City,' he went immediately to an old widow 
lady's with whom he had boarded whilst in Congress. 
He told her he did not wish it known that he was in 
Washington. He then addressed a note to the President 
informing him of his arrival, and wishing to have an 
interview with him in regard to affairs in South Caro- 
lina. President Johnson wrote in reply that he would 
be happy to see him the next day at ten o'clock. The 
.soldier who brought the note alarmed the landlady very 
much. He enquired if Mr. Boyce was there. She went 
secretly to Boyce's room and told him to make his 
escape, for there was a soldier below who had come there 
to arrest him ! He replied that it was too late to think 
of escay^ing and to send the soldier up. He came and 
presented the President's note. The next morning Mr. 
Boyce went to the White House, and had a long and 
very agreeable interview with President Johnson. He 
called two or three times before he returned to South 
Carolina. 

The people of Charleston, feeling more sensibly than 
any other portion of the State, the urgent necessity of 
a restoration of civil government, called a public meet- 
ing for the purpose of petitioning the President for the 
appointment of a Provisional Governor. ButRedpath, 
a low Yankee officer, got a number of Negroes to attend 



244 Provisional Governorship. 

the meeting and broke it up. The citizens then thought 
it advisable to send five or six gentlemen to Washing- 
ton, without the formality of a public meeting, who 
would seek an audience with the President. Judge 
Frost, Mr. Gaer. Colonel Yates and others were pre- 
vailed upon to execute this mission. These gentlemen 
were sent by the friends of Governor Aiken, as Judge 
Frost afterwards told me, for the purpose of procuring 
the appointment for him. On their arrival in Washing- 
ton they sought and obtained an audience with Presi- 
dent Johnson. In the course of their conversation they 
urged on the President the imperativ^e necessity of 
appointing a Provisional Governor for South Carolina. 
I have this statement from Judge Frost and Mr. Gaer. 
The names of Governor Aiken, Mr. Boyce, Colonel 
McAlilley, Governor Manning and myself were men- 
tioned. Some one of the Committee undertook to speak 
of the character and claims of Governor Aiken. The 
President stopped him and said : "You need not tell me 
anything about Governor Aiken. I know him as well as 
you do." When my name was mentioned, he asked if T 
was "Ben Perry?" He sa,id he knew me very well. 
Judge Frost understood him to say that he knew me in 
Greenville and inferred from something said that the 
President and I had been schoolmates. This was alto- 
gether a misapprehension of the Judge. President 
Johnson then inquired of them if I "was not too much 
of a people's man for them ?" Judge Frost replied " not 
at all," and that I would be very acceptable to the State 
generally. Mr. Gaer said the objection to me would be 
that I had accepted the office of District Judge fi'om 
Jefferson Davis, just before the collapse of the Confe(Jl- 
erate Government. The President replied : " That is no 
objection at all to his appointment." 

The Committee called once or twice before the appoint- 
ment was made. Mr. Ciaer told me that as soon as my 
name was mentioned, he saw at once the President's 



Provisional Governorship. 245 

preference. M.v commission as Provisional Governor of 
South Caiolina met me at Ninety-Six, on my way to 
Washington as one of a Committee ap])ointed by the 
people of Greenville to nige on the President the resto- 
ration of civil governinent in South Carolina. I had 
never thought of receiving the ap|)()intment and did not 
desire it, as I supposed the Governor would hav^e to 
enforce I'ules and ivgnlations which might be odious to 
the people. But in this supposition I was altogether 
mistaken. Every official act I had to perform was that 
of protection, kindness and mercy. In no instance did 
it become my duty to oppress, injure or wound the feel- 
ings of any one. On the contrary, I was recognized by 
the President as a shield between the arbitrary acts of 
the military and the suffering people. I had unlimited 
discretion in pardoning whom I pleased; that was every 
one who applied for a pardon. In ever\' conflict with 
the milita,T-y authorities, I was sustained by the Presi- 
dent and his cabinet. 

When I arrived in Washington, I addressed a. note to 
the President informing him that I had leceived my 
commission and sought an audience with him to receive 
my instructions, and learn my duties as Provisional 
(lovernor. No reply was i-eceiv^ed that day or the next! 
Governor Dennison, Postmaster General, suggested to 
me that my note had not been received by the President, 
and very kindly went to see him and inquired about it. 
Soon afterwards I received a note from President 
Johnson, appointing an hour that eveninu' for me to 
call on him. I went in company with Judge Orr and 
several other gentlemen from South Carolina. We were 
recei ved most graciously by the President. I endeavored 
to impress on his mind that South (^arolina had deter- 
mined to accept the condition in which she was placed 
by the war, was ready to comply with the terms of his 
Proclamation, would abolish slavery, and l)e once more 
a loyal State. The President was so much aratified at 



246 Provisional Goveuxokship. 

my rejjresentation of affairs in South CaroliiiM. that he 
requested me to rail Ofi Mr. Se\vM,r(], Secretary of State, 
and repeat my conversation to him. 

After a most cordial and i2,ratifyini^ interview of an hour 
or two the j^-entlemen who accompanied me withdrew 
and left the President and myself alone. I then said to 
him: "Mr. President, I should like to know how you 
came to a[)point me Provisional Governoi'?'" He had 
told my son Frank, then in the Naval Academy at 
Annapolis, in 1859, that he knew me very well. He said 
the same thi no- to Governor Swain, of North Carolina, 
whoineai'ly life was a schoolmate of mine. 1 thouo-ht it 
probable that he had seen me and knew me whilst he was 
journeyman tailor at Laurens, S. C, in 1827 and '28. 
But I had no remembrance of ever having seen him, 
except once whilst he was a member of Conj^ressin 1846. 
He was then |)oii)ted out to me by the Hon. K. F. Simp- 
son, my repi-esentative in Congress, but 1 did not make 
his acquaintance. The President replied by saying that 
we lived only one hundi-ed and twenty miles apart and 
that of course he knew all about me. 

In speaking of the convention which would have to 
assemble in South Carolina, he advised me to make the 
white population alone the basis of representation. In 
this Judge Oi-r concurred with him. I replied that the 
two great elements of all government, good or bad, were 
l)opulation and property, and that l)oth ought to be 
represented in every form of a Republican Government. 
The basis of representation in the House of Representa- 
tives of Scjuth Carolina was property and i)opulation in 
an equal ratio; and I should adopt it in calling a con- 
vention. He suggested that I should ignore the 
Parishes entirely in the election of Delegates, and direct 
each Judicial District to elect a certain number of Del- 
egates. 1 said I had no doubt the vState Convention 
would abolish this anomalous, arbitrary feature in our 
government, but that I did not thiidv it prudent foi* me 



Provisional Governorship. 247 

to do so. I had, all tiiy life, been opposed to this Paiish 
system of electiii<»' iiieinbers of the Leoislature, on the 
oTOund that there was no justice or political equality in 
a small Parish, with tAventy or thirty voters, having- 
the same voice and representation in legislation with a 
hii-ge District which polled five or six thousand votes, 
and had ten times the property of the Parish. It was 
the rotten Borough system of England, which had, at 
length, been abolished in that Kingdom. When the 
Parish system was adopted in South Carolina, and the 
rotten Borough system in England, it may have been a 
fair representation of the two countiies. But the con- 
dition of both had since changed. Wealth and popula- 
tion had in(;reased most astonishingly in one section of 
the country, and diminished in another. The lower 
country of South Carolina had declined since the 
adoption of the Parish system, and the upper part of 
the State had prospered and quadrupled her population 
and wealth. I said if I left the Parish system for the 
convention to abolish it would give very little dissatis- 
faction, but if 1 ignored it in calling a convention, it 
would produce a very unpleasant excitement. 

The President was in favor of giving the election of 
Governor to the people, and also the election of Electors 
of President and Vice-President. In these reforms I con- 
curred with him most heartily, and had the pleasure of 
seeing them adopted by the convention. 

I inquired of him, if our new State Constitution when 
adopted, would have to be submitted to Congress for 
their approval? He replied that it would not, and ex- 
pressed a wish that I would use all dilligence in having 
the State reconstructed, and members of Congress 
elected to take their seats as soon as that body as- 
sembled. 

I then returned to the hotel and immediately wrote 
my Proclamation, and forwarded it to South Carolina 
for publication in all the newspapers of the State. In it 



248 Provisional (joveknokship. 

I restored to offioe all civil officers, who were in t)ffice at 
the wuspeii.sioii of civil «2,()verimient in South Carolina. 
They were siuipl.v required to take the oath of alle«riance 
presented by the President in his Pi-oclaniation. This 
saved me a <>reat deal of trouble and annoyance in 
selecting- and appointing; to office, from the thousands 
of ap])lications that would have been made. I had con- 
fidence in the inte,i2,rity and honor of the old officers, and 
knew they had been elected by the people. I did not 
wish to en(]|uii-e whether an officer had been a secessionist 
or Uinon man, nor had I any dis])osition to make my 
patronage a source of reward to personal friends. Many 
of those restored to offices had been my bitterest politi- 
riil enemies. 

The next interview 1 had with the President, we wei'e 
alone and sat from seven in the t^vening; till ten o'clock 
at night, conversing- about the future of our uidiappy 
and distracted country, and how it was best to conduct 
affaii-s in South Carolina. As I was about taking my 
de])aiture, he walked witii me tothedooi', and requested 
that I would wiite him (occasionally, and let him know 
how I was getting' on in reconstructing- the State. I 
then told him I had already issued njy Proclamation, 
and it was on its way to Columbia, S. C. He seemed 
sui-])rise(l, and replied that 1 had been very expeditious. 
He inquired wiiat 1 had said in my Proclamation. 1 
infoi-med him that I had restored to office all the civil 
officers of the State, except those who were under 
arrest. I said I thought that 1 could i-ely on their loy- 
alty, that they had been elected by the people, were 
familiar with theii- official duties; and would give more 
satisfaction than new appointments. I told him it was 
impossible to fill th<^ various offices with Union men in 
South Carolina. The people had all taken sides with 
the State, when she seceded, and that there was no 
Tnion ])arty in South Carolina after the civil war com- 
menced. This was strictly true, but afterwards, there 



Provisional Govei{nokship. 249 

were a <;'fecit many political scomnirels who |)retende(l 
for the sake of office, that they had always been true to 
their allegiance to the United States. 

I stated to hinj tliat there was then equal unanimity 
in returnini>- to the Union — and that all were once more 
Union men. They would have rejoiced, of course, if the 
Confederacy had been successful, and they perilled life — 
property— honor in the issue. But the fate of battle had 
decided against them, and they acquiesced in the decree 
of Almighty God. He replied that Governor Shari<ey, of 
Mississippi, had adopted the same course in all of his ap- 
pointments. I said the coui-se I had pursued was origi- 
nal with myself, and 1 had explained it to the Hon. 
Robert W. Barnwell and other friends, before Governor 
Sharkey had issued his Proclamation, and before 1 left 
home, immediately after hearing of my appointment. 
The President made no objection to my restoring the 
old officers, or to anything else contained in my Procla- 
mation. Geneial Gilmoi-e, who was then in command in 
South Carolina, said to me afterwards, that he was 
greatly surprised at many things in my Proclamation, 
and did not believ^e they were sanctioned by the Presi- 
dent. He wrote the War Department to know the truth 
of the matter, but never got any reply, till a telegram 
came ordering him "not to inteifere with Governor 
Perry's measure of reconstruction," 

The Provisional Governorship of South Carolina. 

No. 2. 

In all of my interviews with President Johnson, I was 
much pleased, and he impressed me very strongly with 
his patriotism, firmness, ability and magnanimity. 1 
was particularly struck with his kindness and generosity 
towaitlsthe South. This 1 did not expect from lepre- 
sentations that had been made to me. Heisa fine look- 
ing gentleman, simple, and yet dignified in his manners. 



250 Provisiokal Governokship. 

His success in life is most reiiiaikable, and is proof con- 
clusive of his jireat talents. He wms born, as Governor 
Swain wrote me, in 1808. His paients were very poor, 
and he had no education. He told Judjue Wardlaw. 
when visited by the Jud<2,ein 1805, that he was bound 
an apprentice to the tailor's trade when he was ten 
yeais old. This he mentioned, unaffectedly, whilst con- 
versin.ii' with the Judge about the objection to bindino- 
out the colored children in South Caiolina He said he 
did noT suppose they were any better than he was when 
a boy, and he himself was bound an apprenti<re to a 
tailoi', when he was only ten j'ears old. This was not 
said boastingly, or with any shame or regret at his 
humble origin, but to illustrate what they were then 
conversing about. 

In the latter part of 1825, President Johnson came to 
Laurens Court House, South Carolina, as a journeyman 
tailor, and worked there at his trade for two years. 
He is well remembered, and with great i-espect by the 
older citizens of that village. They all unite in saying 
that he was very steady at his work, moral, and well 
behaved. Mine host of the Laurens Hotel, Mr. Sim- 
mons, informed me that they boarded at the same 
house, and slept together for several months. He could 
then read, atid always had a book before him. Whilst 
at Laurens, he fell in love with a young lady and ad- 
dressed her, as he told Judge (3i-i-, many years ago, 
whilst they were in Congress together. The niothei-was 
indignant at the idea of her daughter mai-rying a 
journeyman tailor, and he almost a stranger to the 
community. This mortified the future President of the 
United States so much that he left the place the next 
day and returned to North Carolina. Whilst editing 
the Southern Patriot, many years since, I wrote an 
article in reference to this love affair. President John- 
son was then United States Senator, and had been Gov- 
ernoi- of Tennessee. I stated how unfortunate the 



Provisional (Iovkknorship, 251 

mothei's judgnient was, and very often .vouna ladie.s 
had a better perception of character than their 
mothers. 

It is said his wife tanght him to wiite and keep ac- 
counts after their marriag,e. I have heard that whilst 
President Johnson and the Hon. Mr. Henry, "the Eagle 
Orator of Tennessee," were canvassing the State for 
CJovernor, Mr. Henry paid a brilliant compliment to the 
ladies who were present at a public meeting. In his 
I'eply, Johnson stated that he concurred in every word, 
so eloquently uttered by his opponent, in reference to 
the ladies. There was no one on this green globe who 
had more cause to admire and love the other sex than 
himself. That whilst a poor oi-phan and friendless boy, 
he had been taken by one of the other sex and taught to 
read and write, and she was his wife. This happy reply 
was electrical on the audience. 

After my first visit to President J(jhnson was ovei-, I 
went with my friends, to pay our respects to the Hon. 
Hugh McCullough. We were all very much pleased with 
his cordial, frank manners, and fine, manly and noble 
appearance. He was a stout, tall gentleman, with a 
large head, good face and honest expression of counten- 
ance. He was a gentleman of great ability and practi- 
cal mind. He was a wise man, and one whose judgment 
and honor ma^' beimplicitl^' relied upon by hisfriends and 
country. He said to me that he had a list of appoint- 
ments formeto make in his Department for South Caro- 
lina. He informed me that it had been decided by the 
heads of Departments, to make no appointment in South 
CaroHna, except on the nomination of the Provisional 
Governor. This was for the purpose of giving him po- 
sition and influence in the State. He gave me a bundle 
of applications for appointments, and I was greatly 
amused in reading them, to find that they all professed 
to have been during the war, strong Union men, and 
unwavering in their loyalty to the United States! I had 



252 Provisional Governorship. 

never before heard of them jis Union men. In almost 
evei-j instance I i-ejeoted the a implication, and j^'ave tiie 
appointment to othei-s who were not applying;;. 
I restored to office all tiiose who had prcxiously filled 
the position, when I knew they had hi'cn faithful to their 
trust without regard to politics. I told the Secretary 
that these ,<>entlemen had <iivcn countenance to the 
Rebellion, as it was tei'med, and could not take the test 
oath, and that I doubted whether any man oi- woman 
in 8outh Carolina, could take the oath without commit- 
tin<>' [)erjui-y. They had all countenanced the Rebellion 
or given couifoit to the soldieis. He i-eplied it was 
abs(jlutely necessary to omit a jjortion of the oath in 
order to fill the a])pointments. This he said would be 
done, and I have no doubt would have been done if left 
to him. But the oath was aftei-wards i-igidly i-equii-ed, 
and almost all of my appointments to Federal offices 
wei*e failures on that account. 

VVe went next to call on the Attorney General, the 
Hon. Jauies Speed, of Kentucky. He was sitling at his 
table writing with his coat off. He i-eceived us kindly, 
and after the usual compliments had passed, he alluded 
to a speech of mine at Greenville before a public meeting 
assembled for the ])urpose of asking a restoration of 
civil government in South Carolina. This speech had 
been published in the New^ York Tribune. He said he 
regretted to see such a speech made by me, the E^rovis- 
ional Governor of the State, as it showed that South 
Carolina was not disposed to be loyal again! T replied 
that he had certainly not read the speech attentively, 
or he could not have come to any such coiuilusion. He 
then frankly admitted that he ha.d not. He ha,d read 
the comments of the editoi', with the heading, which 
pr(\sented the meaning and spirit of the text. I request- 
ed him to do me the justice to read the speech atten- 
tively, which he promised to do. He said T spoke of the 
atrocities of the Federal soldiers. This T admitted 



Provisional Goverxorship. 258 

was true nnd justified the correctness of the charj:,e. He 
was a g-reat admirer of President Lincoln, and I had 
made an inv-idious eompaiison between him and Pi-esi- 
dent Johnson. I had said the South lost nothing bj 
his death, and would receive greater kindness from 
Johnson, who was a Southern man, a slave holder and 
all his life an opponent of the abolitionists! These were 
truths which I admitted and justified. He then told me 
he had always been an ultra abolitionist, which did not 
elevate him in my estimation as a Kentuckian. The 
Attorney General was a young man, and not at all 
distinguished as a, laAvyer. It is said that his appoint? 
ment was owing to a.n uncle of his having doue a kind- 
ness to President Lincoln in early life out of gratitude 
to this uncle; and on request of his uncle, the appoint, 
ment was made. There was nothing in his appearance 
that would indicate that he was a man of more than 
ordinary capacity, nor was there anything in his con- 
v^ersation which was calculated to produce a different 
conclusion. 

When wecalled on Mr. Seward, Secretai-y of State, I men- 
tioned what had passed between the Attorney General 
and myself. Mr. Seward remarked that he had read the 
speech (carefully, and he thought, considering the stand- 
point from which it was deliv^ered, that it was a ver\- 
good speech and unobjectionable. Ho said I spoke to 
South Carolina, and for South Caro'linians, and not to 
the Northern people. The sentiments were calculated 
to reconcile the South to the loss of President Lincoln 
and the election of Johnson to the Piesidency. He being 
a Southern man and a slaveholder was more likely to 
have kindness and sympathy for the South. He asked 
me if I had ever been Governor before. I told hin) I had 
not. He said when he was Governor of New York he 
made speeches which were very severely criticised in 
Charleston. But he always remarked : " What the devil 
have the people of South Carolina to do with n)y 



•jr>4 



I Ma ) VISIONAL (J()VI:K.\0I{SHII'. 



>^|)(>('rlios — 1 in;id(> tliciu to pltNisc the jx'oplcot" New York 
.111(1 not the people of South t^;ii-oliii;i." lie was \ovy 
l>l(>as;nit and told several amusing stories, wliieli 1 have 
already mentioned in my remiiiiseenct^s of him. Mi-. 
Seward at the time i)f my first interview with him, was 
lookinj;- vei-y badly. The wounds inflicted by the 
att«Mn])ted assassin were still visible on his face. He 
had just lost his wife. I spoke of his transaetini;- some 
business for me the next day. He said no. I must »i,t) to 
ihui'eh to-morrow, foi- I have not been to church since 
the death of my wife. I asked him if he went to church 
on Saturday. He replied he tlioii«ilit the next da^■ was 
Sunday. B(>yoiul all (]uestion Mr. Seward was a man of 
ureat ability and a profound statesman, (iovernor 
Hammonii tuice wrote me, whilst a member of thelnited 
States Senate, tliat Seward was the only statesman 
north oi the Potomac. Seward was tall and slendc'r, 
with a thin face ami very laiii'e iios«\ Judii-e Ivnle used 
to say he nevei- saw a <;reat man with a small nose. 1 
saw Mr. Seward seven or einlit months after this, when 
h(> was looking remarkably well. He was very cordial 
and familiar in his manners, and witty and huimirous 
in his con\'ersation. He expi-essed liimself very iiiiuli 
j>ratitled at my account of the State of feeliii<i' in St)uth 
(^ai'olina. Whikst Provisional (Jovernor, I had consid- 
erabl(> corrt\sj)ondeiice with Mr. Seward, and always 
found him court(X)us and civil, except on one oct-asion. 
1 rinpiested that the colored troops should be removed 
from Sout li (^arolina. He replied that he supposed tlu- 
people were sensitive in seeint^,- theii- former slaves j)er- 
forniin^- the duties of soldiei-s. but the reiiulations of 
rhe United States army recoi;iii/.ed no distinction of 
color. I replied that we did not object to the coloi-ed 
troops on account of their color, but on account of their 
ati'ocious conduct, making every thin*;' insecure and 
unsafe where they were stationed. I then mentioned 
t lu» honible deeds they had done. b(.)th in the iipi)ei' and 
lower <()untrv. 



PrOVISIOXAI. fj()VEHN()|{HHIP. Sf)') 

I had previously called on (ioveriior Deiiiiison, Post- 
maKter (Jeneral, aTul was very much j)IeaKe(l with him a- 
a gentleman, and was under great obligations to hin» 
for his kindness and attention. I have already men- 
tiofied his civility in seeing the President foi' me. He 
said, as soon as I told hiui that I addressed a note to 
the President and received no reply, " I have access to 
the T^resident at all hcjurs, as one of his cabinet, and 
will immediately get into my carriage and drive to the 
White House, and let him know that you are here. In 
the af)pointnient of postmasters throughout the State 
I had great difficulty. Almost all of my nominations 
were returned by the Postmaster General on the ground 
that they refused to take the whole of the test oath. I 
was requested to make other nominations, and replied 
thai} there was no use in doing so, as none could consci- 
enliously swear that they had neither aided or counte- 
nanced the rebellion, oi- given comfort or synjpathy to 
the Confederate soldiers. All had been in the army, or 
had sons or dear relatives and friends in Confederate 
service, whom they had contributed to support or 
entertain. 

When I called on Mr. Stanton, with my friends fi-om 
South Carolina, 1 thought he received us coldly, and 
seemed very indifferent to all I had to say about South 
Carolina. 1 saw Mr. Stanton several times after- 
wards, whilst he continued in the War office, 
and he appeared to be more pleasant and agreeable. 
He was certainly a man of iireat ability, as was 
shown by his administration of the War office. In ap- 
pearance he was stout and good looking, with a line 
head phreiiologically. At the commencement of our 
struggle, his sympathies, it is said, were in favor of the 
South. Colonel Phillips, of Mobile, was at that time his 
law [)artner, in the city of Washington. The Colonel 
told me that Stanton was then more of a Southern 
man in his feelings, than he was himself. What a change 



250 Provisional Governorship. 

(;ame over him al'terwai-ds, for he beeanie a bitter 
enemy of the South. Like all rene,iiacies he was more 
ultra ill his persecutions than any other member of the 
President's cabinet. It was by his orders that Jefferson 
Da.vis was placed in irons. Mrs. Senator Clay of Alaba- 
ma, told me that whilst making' efforts to have her hus- 
band released from prison, she went to Stanton and 
commenced a statement, shovvin<>- the innocence of Sena- 
tor Clay, as to the charges preferred against him. 
Stanton stopped her rudely and said : '"I am not your 
husband's Judge, madam I"' She replied quickly and 
said : ' -Vnd I hope, sir, you are not his persecutoi'." 

The speech of mine, on the third of July. 1865, which 
the :Vttoi-ney General considered so offensive to the 
Federal authorities, became the subject of a cabinet 
meeting, as 1 was informed. When I visited the Presi- 
dent afterwards, he said it would be well for me to write 
an article exj)laining the object of the public meeting, 
which I addressed on tliat occasion, and publish it with 
resolutions adopted by the meeting. He knew, he said, 
it was a union meeting, asking the restoration of civil 
Government in South Carolina. But a different impres- 
sion had gone abroad. This I did the next day. That 
night whilst sitting in my room at Willard's Hotel, two 
gentlemen called with a note fioin the President, re- 
questing me to explain to them some expressions in the 
s])eech ! They were connected with the Washington 
Chronicle newspapei". I talked ovei- the matter with 
them, and they left apparently satisfied. I have fre- 
(juently wondered at the public excitement produced 
throughout the Northern States by that little speech. 
It was everywheie published in the newspapers with 
severe comments. It was the first expressit^n of public 
sentiinent they had seen from South Carolina, since the 
cessation of hostilities. In South Carolina this speei^h 
was well received and c-onqdimented. when in fact I ap- 
j)ichendcd it would displease many. I did not s])are the 



I'uovisioNAL Governorship. 257 

inadiipss and folly of secession and disunion for the pur- 
pose of protectinm- slavei-y. when it had resulted in the 
abolition of slavery as I piedicted it would. But 1 
boldly proc-laiuied, that after seoessiou it became the 
duty of evei-youe to go with his State. There was one 
expi'ession in the speech which seemed to vset at defiance 
the authority of the United States to prosecute Confede- 
i-ate officers and soldiers for treason, after having ex- 
changed jjrisoners of war with them, for three or four 
uears. There was a very mahgnant feeling at the 
North when the war closed, towards the South, aiid a 
general wish amongst those who had kept out of the 
army to see "the rebels" prosecuted, tried and pun- 
ished for treason! But they were soon infornied that 
the opinion of the world would stamp such a course 
with national infamy. They then meanly attempted to 
gratify their revenge by establishing over us the present 
"carpet-bag, scalawag negro government." And they 
have succeeded to their hearts' content. It would have 
been a thousand times bettei- for us to have let their 
prosecutions for treason have gone on and taken the 
consequences. 

The Provisional (iOveunohship of South Carolina. 

No. 3. 

Whilst in Washington and befoie 1 had seen the 
President, I had a great many applications for office. 
Some of the applicants designated the position which 
they sought, and others, more modest, were willing to 
receive any office within my gift, that would pay well. 
There were several who applied for their friends or i-ela- 
tives. Amongst the latter were two ladies who paid me 
formal calls. One, a young lady from Ohio, wished to 
have her father appointed District Judge. She said her 
father was a native of South Carolina, and had left the 
State thirty years ago on account of his opposition to 



258 Provisional CiOYEKNouf^HiP. 

slavery. This she thouo-ht would be a, strong- recom- 
mendation to a Govei-nor holding office under thf' 
United States Government. He had also been a Union 
man in South Carolina, and associated with me in our 
Union Conventions. I told her that I could not think 
of appointing a Judge who resided out of the State, if I 
could get a competent lawyer in South Carolina, to ac- 
cept the office, and I should not make the apyjointment 
till my return home. The other was a New England 
lady, who wished a friend of her's appointed postmaster 
in Charleston. She was very urgent, and spoke in high 
terms of his qualifications, and paid me a long visit. 1 
informed her that I should certainly tender this aj)- 
pointment to the Hon. Alfred Huger, who had for many 
years filled this office with great fidelity and satisfac- 
ticMi to the Government. She thought it was veiy 
wrong to ap])oint "rebels" to office in South Carolina. 
I told her that I was a "rebel" myself after the State 
seceded from the Union, and after secession all joined 
the rebels. This surprised her vei-y much, and no doubt 
she thought my appointment a very unwise one on the 
part of President JohnsoTi. There was a Yankee Gene- 
ral in the Federal army, who had been stationed in 
Charleston, and who wish to be restored to a command 
in that city. I had heard a favorable report of him and 
told him I would mention the subject to the President. 
This I did, and the President said, if the people desired 
the change, he suj)posed there would be no dfficulty in 
having it made. I understood afterwards that the Sec- 
retary of War interposed objections and prevented the 
change being made. This high functionary was bitterly 
opposed to South Carolina, and not at all disposed to 
gratify our wishes in anythir)g. 

I received, whilst in Washington, a, letter from Gene- 
ral Kershaw, who was then a prisoner in Fort Lafay- 
ette, requesting me to use my influence with the President 
to have him and his fellow prisoners released. The samr 



Provisional Goveijnokship. 259 

iii*>ht I ret-eivecl a similar letter from Colonel Simoiitoii, 
who was confined in P^ort Delaware with ten or twelve 
other Confederate officers. I went immediately to the 
President and laid before him these letters. He drew 
forth an order which he had just prepared j for the re- 
lease of all the Confederate officers who would take the 
oath of allegiance to the United States. I telegraphed 
this gratifving intelligence to these gentlemen, and 
afterwards expressed to them my regret that I 
could not properly claim the honor of having 
procui-ed their release from prison. I mighr have 
done so, and they would nev^r have been any 
wiser. When they received my telegram, the Georgia 
officers confined with them, were nnder the im- 
pression that the order of release only extended to 
the South Carolina prisoneis ! They regretted that 
their Gov'ernor had not taken the same interest in their 
lelease that 1 had in that of the South Carolina prison- 
ers. When I aftei-wards met General Kershaw and Colo- 
nel Simon ton, they expressed themselves under great 
obligations to me for my prompt attention to their 
letteis and telegraphing to them the n)ost gratifying 
intelligence that they were to be released, and would 
have the happiness of returning once more to their 
homes and familie:s. Not long after this General Ker- 
shaw was a membei- of the State Senate, and he proved 
his gratitude for the interest I had taken in his release 
l)y nominating me for the United Slates Senate. 

On my return home, I stopped at Colonel J. B. Camp- 
bell's, in Columbia, to meet General Gilmore, by ap- 
pointment, who was then in command of the military in 
South (Carolina. He had expressed a, wish to see me 
and arrange as to the civil and millitary jurisdiction of 
the State. Colonel Campbell had kindly proposed our 
meeting at his house on my return from Washington. 
But a telegraphic dispatch was received from the Gene- 
ral stating that it was impossible for him to meet me at 
the appointed time. 



260 Provisional Governorship. 

Whilst at Colonel Canipbell's waitino- for the arrival 
of General Giliiioi'e, a g'reat many gentlemen of Colum- 
bia called to see me and hear the news from Washing- 
ton. Amonijcst them were General Hampton, Genei-al 
Preston, Alfred Huger, Dr. LaBorde and Professor 
LeConte. T gave them an account of all my interviews 
with President Johnson, and assured them that his 
policy towards the Southern States would be kind, con- 
ciliatory and magnanimous. Di-. IjaBorde afterwards 
told me. when thePiesident had acted as I said he would, 
that they had listened to nie attentively, and knew 
that I thought as I had spoken, but they did not be- 
lieve a word of it. They had been taught to believe 
that Andnnv Johnson was a cold, vindictive and re- 
vengeful tyrant, who would delight in oppressing and 
hanging secessionists, and confiscating their estates. 
He told me that lie had heard a disTinguished gentle- 
man remai'k on the accession of Johnson to the Pi-esi- 
dency, that he was as blood-thirsty as Robesj)iere and 
as vindictive as Marat! This opinion prevailed pretty 
generally in South Corolina. Evei-ywheie the people 
were (expressing their dee]) regret at the loss of Lincoln ! 
In Chaileston and other places, the citizens held public 
meetings and bemoaned the death of President Ijincoln 
as a great public calamity to the S(^uth. T thought it 
was in bad taste, and hypocritical to lament the death of 
one who had for four dreadful years waged against 
them a cruel, bloody war! I did not hesitate to say 
that Johnsoii was, in all respects, a better, wiser and 
gi'eater man than Tjincoln. I said we ought to lo«)k 
upon his death as the act of God ! We had more to ex- 
pect from Johnson, as a Soutliern man, a slaveholder 
and a Democrat. He was a man of firmness and self-will, 
and would not be influenced by his cabinet as Lincoln 
had been. I knew that his whole life had been spent in 
opposition to the Radical-abolition-whig party. The 
greatest speech evei* made in the United States Senate 



Provisional Goveknorship. 261 

on the i.ssnes between the North and South, \vti8 made 
by Andrew Johnson, just before the civil war com- 
menced. I thought it was iinpossible for him to aban- 
don his life-loni!,' political ])rinciples at once, and become 
the enemy and scourge of his native laTi(],and the home 
of himself, kindred, friends and early associates. There 
is an instinct in the human heart which makes it cling- 
to our native soil and early associates. I never did be- 
lieve in the sincerity of a Yankee who professed to hate 
the place of his birth, and scorn his people and kindred, 
when it was his interest to do so in South Carolina. I 
concur and applaud an expression of President John- 
sou, just before the revolution or civil war commenced. 
General B. F. Butler was addiessing acrowd in Washing- 
ton, and some one asked Johnson what he thought of the 
General's speech? He replied with a fiendish scowl: 
"Damn a Yankee who professes to be more ot a South- 
ern man than I am myself!'' 

When I returned home, I had to address my fellow- 
citizens and tell them all I had seen and heard and ex- 
pected in the future. My Proclamation had been pub- 
lished and gave great satisfaction. The politicians and 
newspaper editors hailed with joy my appointment as 
Provisional Governor. One would have supposed, 
from these public expressions, and the private letters I 
received, that I had always been a most popular man 
in South Carolina. It was said that of all the public 
men in the State, none were more competent than my- 
self to administer the affairs of the State. T thought of 
what the historian has recorded of Charles the Second 
of Great Britain. On his restoration to the throne, he 
was greeted with such manifestations of love and affec- 
tion by the people, that he declaied it seemed to him as 
if it was his own fault that he had not returned many 
years before. I was ready to wonder whj^ I had not 
been elected Governor twenty years sooner. But T re- 
membered that T had been, for years, the most un])opu- 



2(i2 Provisional Governorship. 

lar mail politically, in South Carolina, and it was al- 
most fatal to an aspii-ant for offioeto have my support! 
Now, the public acted as if the truth had just burst on 
their minds, that my course had always been open, 
frank, consistent and wisely patriotic. These expres- 
sions of confidence and appreciation of my character 
were truly gratifying to me, knowing I desei-ved them, 
so conscious wjks 1 that in my whole course through 
life, love of tiie best interests of South Carolina had 
actuated a/7 my conduct. 

In passino- through Chai-lotte, North Carolina., after 
my appointment as I'rovisional Gov^ernor, a crowd of 
gentlemen called to pay their respects to me. I re- 
marked to my friend. Colonel Elfoi'd, after they had all 
gone, how much importance a public office gave to a 
man in this Republican Government. I stated that 1 
had passed through Charlotte many times before, when 
I was just as good and worthy a man as I was then, 
and no one had ever (tailed to see me. It is a sad com- 
mentary on human natui-e that a pure, patiiotic and 
and viituous citizen, will pass unnoticed, whilst a high 
corrupt official will have most obsequious honors paid 
him. No matter how infamous a man's character may 
be, if he wears the robes of office, he will always find 
sycophants enough to flatter and follow him. There is 
something in position, power, wealth and authority 
which n)akes poor iiuman natui-e respectful and deferen- 
tial. Without these attiibutes, the same pei-son would 
perhaps be treated with contempt. I once heard Judge 
l']vans say he was passing through Spartanbui'g and 
met a countryman, of whom he asked the way. After 
some conversation the man said to him: "I suppose 
you are a lavvyer?'' The Judge replied : " 1 have been a 
lawyer, but 1 am now a Judge." Immediately the 
countryman pulled off his hat and bowing most obse- 
(piiously, said : " I beg pardon. Judge." 



Provisional (iovernorship. 263 

The Provisional Governorship of South Carolina. 

No. 4. 

The condition of the eouutry, on my return from 
Washinoton, was truly distressinji;. The g,reater part 
of thepejsonal property of the State had been destroyed 
and stolen, or lost in the abolition of slavery. The 
hanks were all bi-oken, and there was no money in the 
country. Our provision crop had been consumed bv 
the Confederate tax in kind and the ravaj»es of the 
Federal troops.. We were all pretty much at the point 
of starvation. When ] thought of o;oin«- to Washing- 
ton, the important question was how T was to getfunds 
to pay my expenses. At length 1 undeistood that my 
fri(Mid, Colonel McCullough, had four or five hundi-ed 
dollars in gold, which ha«l escaped the Yankee plunder, 
and which he had laid up befoie the war. I sent a. mes- 
sage to him that he must lend nip this money, and if he 
did not, I would not ];ardon him as Provisional Gov- 
ernor. He knew his treasoirwas of longcontiriuance, and 
prominent in the army and Lpgislature. The Colonel 
sent me his gold most cheerfully. Mr. Charles Lowndes, 
President of the Charleston Bank, which had been 
robbed of thirty thousand dollars ir. specie by the 
Yankee army, in passing through Greenville, came to me 
after I had got Colonel McCullough's gold, and said 
there was still money in his bank, which I could get, 
under the circumstances, although the bank was dis- 
counting no paper at that time. 

This utter destitution of the country seemed to make 
every one i-avenous for public office. The people of 
South Carolina wore impressed with the idea that the 
Provisional Governor, if not the source of all honor, as 
Ulackstone says the crown of Great Britain is, had the 
bestowal of all offices. The applications were indeed 
numerous, some for particular offices, but far the 
greater number were gt-neral, and the applicants weie 
willinjr to receive anv office which would assist them in 



264 Phovisional Governorship. 

their .suppoit. But tlie applications for pardon were 
more nnnierons than even those foi- office. The theory 
of the Enjjlish law is that a pardon makes the recipient 
a new man, and wipes out all his political sins and 
errors. It is something- like the spiritual consequences 
of belief and repentance. All were anxious to be made 
"new men " again. These applications wei-e very trou- 
blesome. I had to read them and see that they were in 
proper form, approve oi- reject thein, and mail them to 
the President. I had also to give the petitioner a cer- 
tificate that his application had been received and for- 
warded. 

I determined to refuse no applicant for pardon, where 
the applicant took the oath of allegiance and ex})ressed 
himself loyal to the United States. I did not believe 
any one was to blame in taking sides with his State, 
aftei' she had seceded fi-oin the Union. He could not 
remain neuti-al. The Federal Government had with- 
drawn all protection. If he went against the State he 
was guilty of treason. The United States was powerless 
to protect him. I never believed in the i-iglit of Seces- 
sion ; but I did believe in the right of revolution, and I 
always i-egarded the movement of the Southern States 
in that light. I will say fuither, that although Iregai-ded 
the movement as folly and madness without cause, yet 
the Southern States had a i-ight to govern themselves 
in their own way. Whenever eight millions of people 
see pi'opei- to se])arate themselves from their govern- 
ment and foini an independent Re])ublic or Nation, 
tiiev ought to be allowed to do so. 

This is the principle on whicth our foi*efatliers acted in 
se|)ai-ating from the mothei' country. This ])rinciple is 
])ro(laimed in the Declaiation of Indejjendence. and has 
been sanctioned and assented to evei- since by the 
American ])eople. 

I have said there was no just cause for our secession. 
VVh did not complain tliat there had been any legisla- 



Provisional Governorship. 265 

tioTi on the part of Congress for the last ten years 
against the South or our peculiar institution. It is true 
the Northern State governments had been very offen- 
sive in their le<iislation. They had nullified the acts of 
Congress, and refused to carry out the provisions of the 
fugitive slave law. But the disobedience of these States 
to the General Government was no justification on our 
part for rebelling against that General Government. At 
the time, too, of our secession, we had a majority of 
twenty-foui" members in the United St;ites House of 
Representatives, and in the Senate we had a majority of 
six. There was also a majority of the Supreme Court 
of the United Stales in favor of the South. The election 
of Lincoln, President, by a sectional vote, though he 
did not receive anything like* a majority of the popular 
votes, was owing entirely to the divisions in the Demo- 
cratic party. Had the Democi-atic party united on one 
candidate, they could very easily have been triumphant 
in the Presidential election. But really Lincoln was 
powerless when elected with majorities in both Houses 
of Congress against him, and also a majority of the 
Supreme Court. He could not even form an objection- 
able Cabinet. 

If there had been just ca.use for our rebellion, such as 
there was in 1776, and enumerated in our Declaration 
of Independence, the Northern people would have been 
divided as the British Pailiament and English people 
wei-e in the American Revolution. The Southern people 
likewise would have been more united, determined and 
persevering in their contest and conflict of arms. The 
result might and would have been different. For his- 
tory proves how impossible it is to conquer and keep in 
subjection eight or ten millions of people, brave, intelli- 
gent, and determined to maintain their independence 
and freedom at all hazards. Out of South Carolina the 
people were not united in any (jiie single State foi- the 
secession movement. A large majority of those who 



266 Provisional Governorship. 

wpiit for spopssion had bppii taufiht to bplievp tlmt tlie 
North woiiM not attempt to roeroe the South bv a dvil 
wnr! As soon as the oi-eat masses of Southern people 
found themselves involved in a l)loody war likely to be 
vva<;ed for years, they be<>,an to i-eflect and see that they 
had been deceived and taken a fatally false step. This 
pi-odueed Inkewarmness on the' part of our soldiers, 
which r-esnlted in dpsertion and efforts to keep out of 
the Confederate army. When our armies sui-rendered, 
two-thirds of the Confederate soldiers were at home! 
Most of them had dptermined to i-emain there if they 
could. In truth and in fact, it was not theii- wai-, an<l 
their hearts were never in it, cordially, disinteiestedly 
and deteiMuinedly. It had been bi-outiht on by the j)()li- 
ticians, newspaper editors, adventurers and cler«2,y. 
Passion, and not wisdom, incited the movement and 
made it c()nta<>ious. If we had waited till Con<^-ress, by 
some flaiifant, unconstitutional invasion of oni- )-i<ihts, 
had divided the Northctn ])e()ple and united the South- 
ern peoj)le more heaitily and determinedly, we would 
have been successful. 

I have already stated that on my return from Wash- 
ing:ton, a})plications for office and pardon were num- 
eious. One mail brou<2,ht me no less than one hundred 
and fifty letteis! They were most for offices and pai-- 
dons. Some uere for redre-ss of i;rievances. The people 
(seemed to think that the Provisional (Jovernor was 
invested with all power, not only to bestow office and 
gi-ant pardons, but to redress grievances, and pi-ote(;t 
the morals of the country. An old lady in Laurens 
wrote me a most indignant letter, complaininjn" of the 
Yankee officers stationed there. She stated that their 
conduct was most disoraceful and outraj^eous! They 
had been seen attending- ne_<>r() balls, sitting- in the laps 
of the negro women and publicly huggino- and kissing 
them! She called upon me as the P^xecutive officer of 
the State, and the conservator of public morals, to put 



Provisional Governorship. 267 

a stop to such iiulpcent proceed in«>s! Thinking- I iiii<iht 
doubt the truth of her statement (whilst the whadow of 
a doubt nt^ver crossed my mind in re<>a.rd to them), she 
ret'en ed me to several oentlemen of the highest respect- 
ability for the truth of what she stated. 

In ordinary times, it is a very bad indication to see 
so many peisons seeking' public office. It shows that 
the applicants are desirous of living without laboring 
for a support. It is unfoirnnate. As a general rule, 
the man who seeks office is destined to poverty and humil- 
iation. It would be far better for him to ])lough the 
earth or devote himself to some mechanical pursuit. 
His life would be far happier and more independent. 

The impecuniosity of the times then existing was 
some excuse for this ambition foi- office. 

Having restoied all the civil officers by my Proclama- 
tion, this great sourc'^e of patronageand annoyance was 
cut off, and relieved me very much. But all the post- 
masters, mail agents, revenue officers, collectors of the 
customs, and Federal officers, had to be nominated by 
me. In Columbia, on my return home, I met General 
Conner, as gallant an officer as the Confederacy pro- 
duced, and one who had suffered as much and made as 
many sacrifices as any other. He was a lawyer of emi- 
nence at the Charleston Bar, and I tendered him the ap- 
pointment of District Judge or District Attorney. He 
magnanimously declined both of them, on the ground 
that either of them might place him in an unpleasant 
situation in regard to his friends who might be indicted 
for treason, or niight have proceedings taken out 
against them to confiscate their estates. I then offered 
choice of these appointments to Samuel Lord, PJsq., a 
young member of the Bar, for whose learning, talents 
and honor I had formed a very high opinion. Whilst 
Colonel Martin and myself were commissioners under 
the Confederate Government, we had two cases to de- 
cide involvingfifty or sixty thousand dollars. Mr. Lord 



268 PlJdVISIONAL (icnKUNOlJSHIP. 

was coiinst'l in both of tlunn. lie caiidiilly toUl nie that 
theiv was lio nifrit in the first case and lie should not 
ai-iiue it. When the seeond ease came nj^ for a hearin<i'. 
we were all pressed for time, and he jieneronsly proposed 
to submit the ease without ariiunient. The other side 
objected, and ]>rocee(ied to ariiiie the case. When Mr. 
Lortl replied, his ai-,iiuinent wassoclear and lucid, so able 
and convinciiio;, that the oji]iosite j)arty whispei-ed to 
his lawyer: '• T wish now I had consented to submit the 
case without ar<»-nuu'nt." Mr. Lord accepted the ottice 
of Distr-ict Attorney, but declined that of Judp,e. 

T pro]n^sed to Juiiii'e Dawkius to appoint him Distiict 
Jud.ae, before his elevation to the Rench. He took time 
to consider the proposition, and declined. Then an ap- 
pli(\-ition was ina(^^ in favor of Chief Justice Most^s. 
siiiued by the members of the Convention. I endorsed 
it very cordially, but no appointment was made by the 
Pr-esident till Colonel ^Foses was elected a State Jud«;e. 
The friends of Judjic Bi-yan then presented me a recon>- 
mendation, siirued by the members of the Leoislature in 
his favor, which I endoi-sed and transmitt^nl to the 
President. He received the appointment and accepted 
the same. 

Findiuii- so much ditficulty in fillin«2: the office of Dis- 
trict Jud.ae, I wrote to Judj^e Petit, of Indiana, who 
had been United States Senator, and who had mari'ied 
a youna lady from (ireenvilh* and wished to move to 
South Carolina, offerino' hitn the appointment. My let- 
ter miscarried and was never received by the Jud«ie. 
His wife wrote me afterwards that if he had received my 
letter, he would have accepted the Judgeship and moved 
to South Carolina. He was a g'entleman of areat ability 
and altogether a Southernei- in his feelina's. 

It was a great while before the Federal Court was re- 
organized in South Carolina. I understoo(] the Presi- 
(ient was UTiwilling to orgauize this court, on account 
of the trouble he thought its proceedinas would give 



T'rovisioxat. CnvFifNoifSHip. 209 

him. Hf flifl uni know but tbnt rv,n"i-cs< niiultt insist 
on prospciitiotis for t'cnson ntrl fonfisfntioii. H*^ uinv 
li!iv«j tlionaht. too. if v>fis tim^> piir>n<>1> to psfnlil'sh 
fivil foni-ts it) South (^nrolitpi. jiftot- th<' F<"h»rnl tfr>ops 
hni^l bpf'Ti w itJirliMWTi nnd thpir fomtsrrnTtiMl nholish'-d. 
Til r-pndiiiL!' over rhp ;)pi>'i''fit.ioTis foi- i»;it-(1oii. T wms 
pfT-patly nmnsprl to spp how Jtuinv of t'l'^ ni)i)h''-MMts 
stntpfl thfit thp.v wPT-p oiijiiTmlly oppospfl to ppppssifH). 
Rpndinu' thpsp apjylif-ntioTis oti" pvpniicr to n l-ulv, slie 
rpninikpfl it wns vpry strnii'i'p thnt Sontli Cjit-olinn hnd 
pvpr spcpflprl, for it sppiiipd n nmiot-ity wcro oppospfl to 
it. T hnvp Tio (lonl)t tlint n iiinjority of thp ppopip of 
South f'nrolinn wpvp. ;it hpuvt, op])ospd to spcpssioti, but 
t'lPV WPT'P nfrnid or nshniiicd to sny so. All wlio soiitiht 
piililic otfifp or r>or)nljnitv lin<l to prptPTvl tf> bp in favor- 
of spopssioTi. All thp NoT-t]iprn nipti in tliP StntP hud to 
innkp thp samp pj-ptpnsp. for tlipir own peaop and 
ppcnrity. A £>'rpat many ohl mpii favorpd spfpssion 
airninst thpir hpttpr ind«rmpnt. hpoansp thpir sons wpre 
so violpnt in thpir advorac-y of it. Thprp was a laroe 
class wlio advocatpd it to show thpir spiiit and r-onr- 
atrp — likp a sr-arpd boy at nisrht, whistliiiL!.' as hp passps 
a irravp yard, to show that hp is not afraid. When thp 
mpmVmrs of thp spppssion r-onvpntion wpre elpotpd, there 
was scarr-ply a distrir-t in the Statp whpre a majority of 
the votprs turnpd out to votp. This was indeed an 
ominous sij^n, and so rpp;arded at the time. 

The Provisional Governorship of South Carolina. 

No. 5. 

In order to facilitate the qualification of the people to 
vote at the election for members of the State Conven- 
tion, T ordered thp Maf>istratps, aftpr takin<»: thp oath of 
allpfiiancp thpmselves, to administer it to all otheis. 
Before this, the Provost Marshals alone had adminis- 
tered the oath, and thonjiht they alone had a rijiht to 



270 Provisional (Jovernorship. 

do so. In many portions of the Stnte there were no 
Provost Marshals, and I saw that this wonhl deprive a 
lar^e portion of the people from voting at all. Bnt the 
military aiithoiities took in high dudgeon this assump- 
tion of anthoi-ity on my ])art, and thought il was 
depriving them of their exclusive, legitimate power. My 
order was countermanded in express terms by the 
m ilitary comntanders. I inunediately wrote the Presi- 
dent and Secretai-y of State. They both telegraphed 
back that my order was wise and judicious, and that 
the militai-y autliorities must not interfere with my 
policy of reconstruction. 

About this time, I received a, note from General Gil- 
more, requestiug me to meet General Meade and him- 
self in Columbia, to settle a seeming difference between 
the civil and military authorities The Provost Mar- 
shals were holding their courts all over the State and 
taking jui-isdi(;tion of all manner of cases which caine 
up. Their decisions wei-e flagrantly in conflict with all 
law, justice and honesty. Against this corrupt, arbi- 
trary and illegal assumption of power after the restora- 
tion of civil government. 1 ])iotested most eainestly to 
General (Jilmore, the military commander of South 
Carolina. In settlino; this question. General Gilmoi'e had 
(tonsulted General Meade, who was in command of the 
military division, including all the United States. I met 
them as i-ecpiested, and we had a most pleasant and 
harmonious interview. I have never met a moiepei-f(M't 
and acc<)m|)lish(M] gentleman than General Meade 
seemed to be. I showed him and General Gilmore the 
President's dispatch, and also the communication from 
Mr. Seward. Secretary of State. They informed me that 
they had just received similar from the authorities in 
Washington, directing tliem •' not to interfere with (lov- 
ei-nor Pei-ry's i-econsti-uction ])olicy." 

Then we went into consultation. General Meade in. 
(piired of me what 1 wanted? I ref)lied that T wished 



Provisional Governorship. 271 

fhp civil Inw j-pst(ivpf1 \u South Carolina, onr ronrts 
opftipfl, aiiii tlip I'l-ovost Marshal's oonits abolishpd. 
I sairi thpsf> Tpilitarv ooiirts wpif^ not f'oni])Ptpnt to rle- 
r-idp 1(jor1 (i|iiPstiotis, and iti manv portions of the State 
thpy ha<l aftp'l vpryoorrnptly. Hoitiqnirefi if I thoimht i 
\vp oonl(i do jnstir-p in onr law oonrts to theiiporops, who 
wprp, by law, pxr-lndpfl from o:ivin(r tPstiiTiony? I an- 
swt.rpd that T did not, and nntil this law was altpred by 
onr T.poislntnrp, I wa-i willing: for his Provost Courts 
to rptain inrisdiction of all oasps in which the frppdmen 
or «^olorpd ppople were oonopi-iipd. Gpnpral Gilrnorp_y 
thpn rpqupstpd me to draw np a. pappr to this pffpr-t, as 
an aarpprnpnt bptwppii as, and liP would issup a military 
ordpi' puforoino- it as soon as hp rptuT'iiPd to his head-^ 
quarters at Hilton Head. Tn thp mpantime I was to 
ssup my Proclamation, aunouncino- the arransrement. 
The coui-ts wprp to l)p oppnpd forthwith, aud all civil 
ofhcprs pprmittpd to dischara-p all their official duties.- 
The people throughout the State were o-ratified at this 
arraiiaement, as it relieved them in a, area t measure of 
the arbitrary and corruf)t proceedings of the Provost 
Courts. 

General Gilmore said to me very y)roudly, that on 
readin<i- my Proclamation he thought I had transcended' 
the power which the President had invested me with, 
and so teleoraphed to WashinotoTi, as I have already 
stated. He said he could not suppose I was authorized 
to reappoint all the old civil officers who had been in 
rebellion, nor did he think I was authorized to order 
magistrates to administer the oath of allegiance, which 
duty had been exercised by, and properly belonjied to. 
the Provost Marshals. T felt then a proud consolation 
in knowing that the President had sustained me in 
these matters, and in everything else that I had done 
since my appointment. 

General Gilmore had not the accomplishments of Gen- 
eral Meade, or his prepossessing personal appearance, 



272 Provisional Governorship. 

but liP iinpt'Psserl mn iiiost forcibly as a man of talents 
and ability. In tho coni-se of onr conversation, I ni-,<»e(] 
tlie pi-o])riety of withrlrawinji: the colored troops from 
the State. Their cf)ndnct had been very atrocious in 
many places, and they were a <ireat" terror to the com- 
munity whei-ever they were stationed. General Meade 
said he was op])osed to ha vine;; colored troops in the 
army, and was tryin<r to £>et rid of them. But they had 
to exercise oreat caution and prudence in order not to 
offend public opinion at the Noith. General (iiibnore as- 
sured methat all the colored troops under his command 
should be put in forts on the sea coast, where they 
could do ho mischief. He said he intended to put them 
to work, but would have to place white troops with 
(hem to sa\'e the appearance of makin<i- a distinction 
on account of coloi*. 

Whilst we weie in convei-sation, I leceived a commu- 
nication from Pocatalijio, <iivin<i- me a minute account 
of a most horrible outi-aue committed byNeoro soldiers 
on some ladies and gentlemen. I read the communica- 
tion to Geneial Gilmoie. He asked me for it, and said 
lie would have the offenders brousiht to justice. T saw 
afterwards in the newspay)ers, that two or three of thein 
had been tried and executed. I likewise receive(i a. tele- 
^Tam from Pi-esident Johnson, statinu' that my commu- 
nication had been read and was satisfactory, and re- 
quested me to hasten the reconstruction of the State. 

Just before leaving home, I received from the Presi- 
dent a long telegram, to which 1 replied at some length; 
This was the commun'cation referi-ed to in his last tele- 
gi-ani, as being satisfactoi-y. He had stated in the 
telegi-ain received just before starting: "That it was 
reported in high circles the Provisioiml Governors were 
ignoring the old Union men and giving a pr'efei-ence in 
all their appointments to rebel soldiers." The l*resi- 
dent likewise stated that this report was damaging the 
administration, and giving just cause of complaint. In 



Provisional Governorship. 273 

my rpi)ly, I stated: "That so far as the report eon- 
eerned the Provisional Governor of South Carolina, 
there was not a woi'd of trnth in it, an I that there were 
no Union men in South Carolina to be ignored." I also 
stated that there were ''some office seekers who pre- 
tended to have been Union men, but whose latent 
Unionism was never heard of till bi-ought to li<>ht by 
hope of office." I said I had "rejected all such a|)pli- 
cations and pi-efeired givino- a]^p()intments to honesst. 
competent soldiers, who had been maimed in the war." 
I also took occasion to say that "my experience 
thron<ih life satisfied me that a. man who had no moral 
integi-ity had no political principles, and that such a 
man would identify himself with any party for office or 
*>ain, re<>ai*dless of principle or country. 

I told Genei-al Meade the purpoit of my reply to the 
President. He remarked: "I hope, sii-, the i-everse of 
your proposition is not true: that a man without po- 
litical princi])les has no moral intcjui-ity. I have no 
political pri!iciples,and never voted but twice in my life, 
once for Bell and Everett, and in the last Piesidential 
election for Lincoln and Johnson." 

In S|)eakini2,- of the war and its termination. General 
Meade said Lee ou<i,ht to have surrendered after the 
battle of Gettysbur«»-. He contended that the contest 
was a hopeless one after that battle, and the Confeder- 
ate army be«»an so to i-egard it. Desertions com- 
menced. Whilst surrounding- Richmond, he said whole 
companies came over to his army and stated that they 
had entered the contest zealously and had fou<iht as 
lonjL»" as there was any hope of success. I have said 
General Meade is a. fine looking and accomplished gen- 
tleman. He was the beau ideal of a hero, dressed in full 
uniform. His sentiments were all liberal and patriotic. 
There was no fanaticism about him. I was delighted 
with his manners, conversation and ai)pearance. I met 
him two or three limes afterwards in Philadelphia. He 



*J74 Pkovisu>\v! (iin-Ki:N"oi;sHir. 

was slinbbilv »li-t>^sstv«K whh an i^Kl >trM\\ liat. linon coat 
anil pants, lonir IkvunI. v^o. 1 louM l>a>»U.v itsalizo that 
\\o was tho sanu^ jhtsom I lia<l in<>t in fnll niilitarv 
f«'at luM\ two oi- tht^H' v«virs hi>t\>i>\ in t^olnniUia. WIumi 
I afiorwanls lizard »»f his arbitrary and infanions con- 
linrt in (MH»r*iia. 1 thoniiht thor«» must lu> two iuMn>ial 
Mtsadivs, tht» ono a tint* K»okinii- and aivi>nn>iishi>ti ii«>ntl«>- 
nian. hiiih-tonini. lihoral. and tho p«MsoniHi-ation of 
hont>r. and tho othor a shabby KH>kinjr t\>lK»w. phiyinir 
tht' iH^tty il»'>pot ill luHMiiia. 

TnK rKovisu>NAi. (.5i>vKijNoi;sMir OK Soi ra Tauolina. 

No (\. 

Soon aft or my intorviow with Gonorals M<ado and liil- 
moit\ montion»Hl in tht^ last numbor t>'' tht»so Konr- 
tnsotMior's. tho Stato CotniMition assombUMJ. undor my 
rrv>rlan»ation. to r»»fon»i tho Tonstitution «>f South t\ir 
i>lina. It was i'om|>os<Hl of th«»ablost. wisost and most 
distiniinishod nuMi of South t\irolina. I toU'siraphod tho 
Pi"t\sidont, that no politioal rtssonjbh>p» in South Caro- 
lina had ovor surpasstnl it in virtno. intolliuviuv anil 
patriotism. All tho ,lud.ii»»s. Chantvlh^rs. ox-dovoniors. 
TtdttHl State's Sonators. ami ujombors of t\>n«irt\ss. 
with fow oxtvptioiis. woiv uiouiIkm-s of tho TonviMi- 
tion. Thoy mot with a laudablo spirit to a(o»^}>t 
the situation ti> whiih tho fato v^f tho war had 
rxnluotMl thom. and niako tho uu>st of it. whioh 
oould Ih^ dovistnl by wisdouj and patriotism. Tlu>ir 
st>lo objei'tw a8 to itnltHMU and roj»vn»»rato tho 
Stato. ivstoiv hor pros^HM-ity atiil inoroaso tho fnturo 
happinoss of tho wholo. Whilst thoy woiv unwilhuii to 
extoml to the ooloreil ptn^pio, just omancipattHl fri>m 
slavtM'v aiul in pri>f«.>und iiini>raniH> of all politioal dutios 
and obliiiatii>ns. tho riiiht of sulTrajiv, thoy woiv dotor- 
luintnl to protei't thon> in the enjoyuiont of thoir fnv- 
douK and in the seinirity of thoir livos. |>t>rsons autl 



PltOVfHrONAL GoVKf{Nf)l£HHIP. 27.* 

propfrty. Th<'y f«'If U)\\nr<\H th^'rii no jniirtiDsity or ill- 
will -fiH a racj!, and coiiUl not; for tho colored pf-ojilp, 
throughout the wnr, with few i^xceptions, had l»ehaved 
well, find werf! quiet, indiistrioiiH atifl loyal to their 
ownern. I thought as a matter of [toliey and juHtiee, 
that the intellijrent property holders amongst the freed- 
rrien shonhl he allowerl to vote, arirl ho Htated in the 
oii^inal draft of my first ineHsajre to tlie eonvention. 
I'»iit my friendH aflviHefj me to leave out thiH recommen- 
dation, hh it would only profluce a diviHif)n in the cf>n- 
vention, and there was no probability of its beinji; 
adoptefl. I difl HO, and have ever much rep-etted it, for 
if a fjiialified suffrajre harl been extenderl to the colored 
fjeople, we n)i<;lit have avoided the Kecond lecouHtruc- 
tion and the CoriHtitutional Amendment imponed by 
(■onwresH. Thin would have relieved uh from our present 
dH;^rad!^ 1 airl ruinaus condition and exf:luded from our 
midst the vile carpet-bajrjrer and mean scalawajr, who 
, hav^e prejudiced and weaned from us tli** colored pet>ple. 
The President had |)romised me, whilst in Washiuf;;- 
ton, that he would pardon such persons as I desired to 
be members of the convention, and who would be will- 
in«r to carry out our views of reform. This was f::en- 
••rally knowti.and was an inducement for the prominent 
sef:essionists to becoirie candidates for the conventi«jn. 
When I applied to him for pardon for Judjie Orr, Gene- 
ral McOowan and others, I told him their services 
would be imyjortant to me in the convention. He said : 

* 1 cannot paidon them now, but «z:o honje and 1 will 
send yon their pardons as soon as the convention 
meets." 

When the convention met, I submitted to them my 
message, in which I urjred the abolition of slavery, the 
destruction of the Parish system, ecpial ref)resentation 
throu*2:hout the State in proportion to taxation and 

[>opulation on the Federal basis, the election of (Jov- 
ernor and Presidential electors by the people, with some 



276 Provisional Govehnorship. 

minor reeominendations and rpforms in oni- Stnte (^oij- 
stitntion. Thift messa,i>;iMVMs\vell i-eiviwil l>vtlip conven- 
tion, and almost evHT-y ivL'ommpiidnlion ndopted, nnd 
befuime pai'tw of oui' State Cunstitntion. This was very 
g,-ratifyiii<>- to me, as I had all my life nriied these meas- 
ures of reform on the Srate, aird now had the pleasure 
of seein<>' them, at last, all adopted, with ui-eat una- 
nimity. The first thiity yeai-s of my political life, had 
been a series of failures and disappointments. When 
the State seceded, I wiote to a friend that my coiiise 
and advice had scarcely evei* been followed by the ])eo- 
ple of South Cai-olina, and tiiis destruction of the Fede- 
ral Union was the crowinna,- act of all n)y political mis- 
fortunes and failures. I had most zealously and hon- 
estly tried to serve my State, and not a siniile success 
or honor had rewanh'd my services. How litlle did I 
then suppose it possible to live to see all my measuies 
of reform a.dopted, and myself honored, wdthin one 
short twelve months, with the offices of Distrii-t Attor- 
ney, Jud,i^e, Governor and United States Senator. 

Whilst the convention was in session. President John- 
son requested me to keep him posted as to their action 
and proceedin}j;s. This I did, by sendin<2,- a tele^T-ain 
every day. I i-equested him to pardon twenty members 
of the convention a day or two after they assembled. 
He promptly sent me pardons for all of them, except 
Governor Pickens. I then teleora plied him it was nec- 
essary for the Judges and Chancellors to be pardoned 
before they started on their circuits. This he promj)tly 
did. When the election took place for the members of 
the Lej»islature, under the new Constitution, (ieneral 
Butler, General Haj^ood, Governor Bonham, General 
Elliott and others, who were elected members, lequested 
me to telegraph for their pardons. The President 
promptly sent me pardons for all of them, except Gene- 
ral Ha<j!:ood. When it was supposed that General 
Hampton had been elected Governor over Judj2;e Orr, 



Provisional Governorship. 277 

the iioiniTiee of the convention, I wrote the President 
explaining' the i-esnlt, nnd asked him to send me a par- 
don for General Hani[)ton. He telegraphed meinstantly 
that the pardon had been tnade ont and would he for- 
warded in time. But when the le^al count took place 
in the Lp<>islature, Judge Orr was elected by four or five 
hundred votes. (Jeneral Hampton immediately re- 
quested me to write to the President and inform him 
tfmtashis pardon had been issued undera wrono- impies- 
sioM, he should decline to I'ei-eive it. This was certaiidj 
punctiliously honorable on the part of General Hamp- 
ton. 

When the convention adjoui-ned. T sent the T'res'dent 
a. copy of their ))roceedin<»:s, and also a, copy of the new 
Constitution. He wi-ote me in i-eply that he was jirati- 
fied with all that had been done. The convention was 
hai-nionious in almost all of its proceedin<;-R. There 
wa« some opposition to the formal abolition of sla\'ery. 
Jud«ie Aldrich and two oi' three other members voted 
ajzainst it. Judi»:e Orr stated to the convention, on 
my authority, that the President would not remove the 
Federal forces from the State, and Coni>ress would not 
receive the State back into the Onion till this was done. 
There were some of the members who thought it unnec- 
essary, as slavei-y had been already abolished by the 
military authorities. Governor Gist was a candidate 
for the convention when he came to Greenville to see me 
about getting his pardon. He told me he would not 
vote for the abolition of slavery. I advised him then 
not to go to the convention, and he did withdraw from 
the canvass. I did not wish for it to appear that there 
was any opposition to this measure in South Carolina. 

Between the adjouiiiment of the convention and the 
election of Governoi-, there was a vt^ry short interval, 
and it was thought that there should be some concen- 
tration of public opinion. I had positively refused to 
permit my rmine to be used in the canvass. The meas- 



278 Provisional Governorship. 

ure of my ambition for ;j:ubernatoi'ial honoi's was full 
to overflowinji;. The members of the convention there- 
fore sio-ned a paper requestin«i' Judj»e Orr to consent to 
become a canrlidate for Governor. The Judf*e accepted 
the nomination. There was no time to canvass the 
8tate, or explain the necessity of a, nomination. The 
people took offence at this caucus movement, and some 
one nominated General Hampton in theColumbia news- 
pa |)ers, without his consent or any consultation with 
him. General Hampton was very popular, and if he 
had desired the nomination, the members of the con- 
vention would have (i,iven it to him with jireat una- 
nimity. But he did not desire it, and declared that he 
was not and would not be a candidate. Notwithstand- 
ing- all this, his nomination was taken up all ovei- the 
State, an<l he was voted for everywhere, except in his 
own district of Richland. He went to the polls in Co- 
luml)ia, and requested his fiiends, as a personal favor, 
not to vote for him. Aftei- the election, it was generally 
supposed that Hampton was elected. He was very 
mnch annoyed, and came to consult me as to the proper 
course for him to pursue. I told him that he would 
have to serve if elected, no matter what the private sac- 
rifice might be to him, or how repugnant to his feelings 
it might be to accept the otfice. ' It would not do, in the 
present condition of the State, for him to refuse a posi- 
tion voluntarily assigned him by the people. The vital 
importance of having the State reconstructed, as 
speedily as possible, was an ap})eal to his honor and 
patriotism which he <;ould not resist. Most reluctantly 
he consented to follow my advice. 

Judge Oi-r was likewise very much chagi-ined to think 
that he had been beated by one who was not a candi- 
date, and did not desire the office. When the official 
count was declared, and it was made known to Judge 
Orr that he was elected Governor of the State, he spoke 
of not accepting the office. He said he had reluctantly 



Provisional Governorship. 279 

roTi.^ented to be a candidate, under the impression that 
it was the general wish of the people. He had already 
tilled hi«iher honors than that of the Governorship of 
South CMrolina. He had been Speaker of the House of 
Representatives of the United States, and a Senator of 
the Confederate States. Mr. Burt, who happened to be 
nt his house when he received the information of his 
election, told him plainly that he must not and coukl 
not refuse to accept the Governorship of the State, no 
matter by how snmll a majority he was elected. He 
good hnmoredly said to him: ''You know that in ac- 
ceptinii- the nomination, you expressed a distrust of 
your qualifications, and in this it seems a large portion 
of the people of South Carolina have concurred with 
you, but still you promised to serve if elected, and 
you have been elected. Therefore, there is no backing- 
out on your part." 

The Legislature assembled in extra session in order to 
provide for the election of members of Couirress. I had 
to continue Governor till the Governor electwas inaugu- 
rated, which could not be done till the regular session. 
I sent a message to the Legislature, making a gieat 
many recommendations in our laws. Most of the altera- 
tions proposed were adopted by the Legislature. Pro- 
vision was madefor theelection of members of Congress, 
and the Legislature determined to go into the election 
of United States Senators. The candidates for the long 
and short terms were Governor Manning, Governor 
Pickens, Governor Bonham, Colonel Campbell, W. H. 
Trescott and myself. It was pretty well understood 
that I was to be elected for the long term, and no one 
oi)posed me. The others were all candidates for the 
short term. The friends of Colonel Campbell proposed 
to one of my friends that they would all vote for me, if 
my friends would vote for the Colonel. General 
Easley, to whom this proposition was made, said he 
could not think of communicating it to me or my friends, 



280 Provisional Govehnorship. 

thnt 1 had kept aloof from all eleotioneeiino-, either for 
myself or others, and intended to remain neutral in 
r^ofii-d to the vaiious candidates. 

Colon|el Campbell, with whom I was very intimate, 
came to me one evening and inquired who had my elec- 
tion in charge? I replied, "no one!" He asked if Judge 
Dawkins, who was then a membei- of the Legislature, 
had not the matter in chaige? I infornied him that I 
had never spoken one word to Judge Dawkins on the 
subject, and really did not know whether he would vote 
for me or not. The Colonel, good humoredly, replied 
that since Oir had popularized the Constitution, it was 
no longei- a rejiroach, as it formerly was, fora, candidate 
to electioneer for Governor, Judge or United States 
Senatoi! I said, you must think the Legislatuie 
demoralized as well as the Constitution popularized ! 

When the election came on, twenty of Colonel Camp- 
bell 's friends from Charleston voted for Governor 
Manning, in opposition to me. They thought by doing 
this they would prejudice my friends against Manning 
when he started in ()[)position to Campbell for the short 
term. It did have that effect, and twenty or thirty of 
tny personal friends voted foi- Chancellor Dunkin on the 
first l)alIot for the short term. But as soon as the vote 
was taken, they saw that the very members who had 
voted foi- Manning against me, voted for Campbell 
against Manning, when they were both in the field. 
This showed that they were not original friends of (Gov- 
ernor Manning. Had Governor Pickens been accepta- 
ble to the TInited States, I should have prefeired him as 
a colleague, on account of his expei-ience in Congress and 
talents as a statesman. But it would not have done to 
have elected him to the United States Senate at that 
time. The result was, I was elected for the long term, 
and Governor Manning for the short term, but as is 
well known, the United States Senate denied us our 
seats. 



Provisional Governohship. 281 

Afrs. Pit-kens, who is a most cliariniiig and lovely 
Ind.y, came down to Columbia just before the election, 
and it was snp|)Ose(l she came to electioneer for her hus- 
band, hut she told me that the Governoi* did not 
desire the position and was not a candidate. She said 
she had come to Columbia to ^et me to write the Presi- 
dent for a pardon for Goveinor IMckens. 1 did write a 
very urgent appeal, which Mrs. Pickens carried to the 
lelciiraph office herself, and had sent to the President. 
But no reply came, and this increased her anxiety, and 
the Govej-noi- wrote me several letters on the subject. 
He thou<:ht the President's silence was in violation of 
the |)romise he made me to i)a.rdon such persons as I 
wished to haveelected members of the StateConvention. 

The Provisional Governoi{ship of South Carolina. 

No. 7. 

Jud^e Mao^rath was elected (iovernor of South Caro- 
litm. towards the close of the war. Immediately after 
the suriender of Genei-als Lee and Johnson, he was 
arrested by the military authorities, and sent a pris- 
oner to Fort Pulaski, where he was detained for some 
time. After his release, which 1 ur<>ed on the President 
with great earnestness, he came to Columbia, and calle(] 
to see me. I thouoht he was very much iniproved by 
his imprisonment. He informed me that he was kindly 
treated, and all the Yankee officers and soldiers were 
courteous and respectful towards him. Even the Negro 
troops were all civil to the prisoners. He said they 
were looking out at the arrival of every steamer, for 
Governor Pickens, and wondering why he, too, had not 
been arrested. He certainly played a most conspicuous 
part in the Secession of the State, and ordered the firing 
on the Star of the West, which was the commence- 
ment of liostilities between the North and the South. It 
was a little surprising that such men as Governor Ma- 



282 Provisional Governorship. 

g:ra.tli and Mr. Georne Treiiholiii should be arrested and 
Governor Pickens permitted to f^o at lar<j,e. 

At the extra session of the Legislature, I received a 
teleo^rain from President Johnson, urging, in very 
strong terms, the adoption of the Fedei-al Constitu- 
tional Amendment abolishing slavery. In reply, 1 
wrote him that South Carolina liad already, in good 
faith, abolished slaveiy, and never thought of attempt- 
ing to I'estoi'e it. I stated, likewise, that the only ob- 
jection we had to the P>deral Amendment was the 
second section, which might be consti'ued to give Con- 
gress the power of legislating foi- the freed men in the 
Southern States, after they liad been set free. Mr. 
Seward replied to my lettei-, and insisted that this 
second section did not enhir<>v, liut rest ruined the power 
under the fiist section. The President likewise tele- 
graphed me, beseeciiing that South Carolina would not 
then "lose all she had done and so well done," l)y stick- 
ling at the axioption of the ])roposed Amendment of the 
Federal Constitution. I then sent a. message to the 
L»'gislatuie, urging its adoption, and stated the con- 
struction of the Secretai'y of State, as to the object of 
the second section. I took the ground that it was 
obvious Congress would require the adoption of this 
Amendment by all the Southern States before they 
could get back into the Union. In conclusion, I stated 
that the destiny of the State was in the hands of the 
Legislature, and I felt assured that their action would 
be governed by wisdom and patiiotism. The Amend- 
ment was adopted by a large majority of both Houses. 
I was anxious that South Carolina, being the first State 
to leave the Union, should be the first to return. Had 
I foreseen the degradation, infamy and ruin, which has 
followed our return to the Union, never would I have 
advised such a step, whilst in the possession of my 
senses. I concur with Jefferson Davis in saying that if 
the Southern people could have foreseen the future, 
there would have been no surrender. 



Provisional Governorship. 283 

In <>()inti: down to Columbia to attend the rej^ular 
session of the liegislature, I met Governor Orr at 
Belton, and addressed him as Governor. He requested 
me not to address him in that style again. He said the 
votes had not then been officially counted, and he 
thought the election very doubtful. We reached Co- 
lumbia Sunday evening, and the election was declared 
on Monday. Governor Orr received five or six hundred 
votes more than General Hampton. We had rooms 
opposite each other in Nickerson Hotel. He came to 
my room after the election was declared and requested 
me to telegraph the President as to his being inaugu- 
rated. 1 said no, not one word will I say to him about 
the inauguration till it is over. Then I will inform him 
the deed is done. If I were to consult him about it be- 
forehand, he might make it the suliject of a Cabinet 
consultation, and they would probably advise a post- 
jjonement of the Inauguration till the Provisional 
(Jovernor was relieved. 

The day appointed for the inauguration of the Gov- 
ernor-elect was Wednesday. That morning, both 
Governor Orr and myself leceived telegrams from Colo- 
nel Trescott, the agent of South Carolina at Washing- 
ton, on the subject of forfeited lands, advising the post- 
ponement of the inauguration till his return to Colum- 
bia. I said to Governor Oi-r, instead of Trescott's 
telegram being a reason for postponing, it would cause 
me to hasten it if I could. I was afraid he might have 
some oi'dei' or request from the President c>n the subject. 
The inauguration took place as appointed. I delivered 
a farewell address to the Legislature, which was well 
received, and elicited their a])plause. I told them, that 
as Provisional Governor, it had been my duty to lead 
them, as the chosen people of old, through the military 
rule and oppres.sion within sight of the promised land, 
where they would enjoy once more self-government and 
civil libertv. But that it was reserved for mv distin- 



284 Provisional Governorship. 

guislied friend, their own chosen Governor, the first ever 
elected by the people of South Caroliiia., to i»nide them 
over the i-iver, and see tiiat they were secured in the 
enjoyment of life, liL)erty and property. 

(lovernor On- then deliveied his Inau<;nial Addi-ess, 
which was well considered, wise, ])atiiotic and ai)})ropri- 
ate. He had i-ead it to me the" day previous, and 
re<]uested that 1 would criticise both its matter and 
style. After the inaujAuration was ovei-, I tele<iraj)hed 
the President, and requested that I mi<;ht be permitted 
to transfer the Chief Ma<iistiacy of the State to (iov- 
ernoi* Orr. In reply, 1 leceived a communication from 
p Mr. Seward, statinu' that the Pi-esident would soon le- 
I lieve mt. or words to that effect. He had previously, 
moie than once, directed mn expressly to continue to 
dischartie thetluties of Provisional Governor, till posi- 
tively lelieved by him. 1 had said iumyfarewcll address 
to the Ley,islature, that I should thereaftei- make all my 
communications to them throujili theii- Constitutional 
Gove!-nor. This I had occasion to do, in re^iard to the 
wishes of the President, in reference to the repudiation 
of our war debt. Several commuidcations had passed 
between the Pi-esident, ^?I•. Seward and myself, on this 
subject. 1 informed them that the State Convention 
had been dissolved, and could not re-assemble, that the 
Le}j:,islature had no i)t)wer to repudiate the war debt, 
that it was a vevy small one, and was owned in part by 
widows and orphans, and that it would be an act of 
oreat injustice to them, for it to be repudiated. I also 
said, that in South Carolina, they were all Secessionists, 
j and the tax-payers had no right to coniplain of this 
*" debt, whit'h was created by themselves. The i)eo|)le of 
South Cai-olina then had a horror- of repudiation, for 
all their public debt was honest and meritorious, liut 
now they are very much inclined tt) repudiation, asthey 
believe that the present public debt is fraudulent and 
was created by rogues and swindleis. 



Provisional Governorship. 285 

I remained in Columbia till near the elo.se of the ses- 
sion of the Legislaturf, without be'n<2,' i-eleased as Pro- 
visional Governor. The day after I returned home, the 
President's dispatch was received, authorizin*;- me to 
transfer the funds and pa|)ers in my possession belono-- 
in<i; to the State of South Carolina to (lovernoi' Grr, the 
Constitutional Governor of the State. This was very 
easily done, as I had not reeeiv'ed a dollar or collected 
a dollar as Provisional Governor durin<;- the whole of 
my administration. The President directed me, imme- 
diately after my appointment, to levy a tax on the 
I)eople, and have it collected, to defray the expenses of 
the convention. This I declined to do, on account ot 
the poverty and utter destitution of the country and 
the inaltility of the people to pay any tax or assess- 
ment. I stated to the convention in my message on 
theii- assembling: to<ietlier, that they would have to ])i-o- 
vide ways and means of defrayinjj,' their expenses. They 
made arranoements throuf»h the State Bank f(jr this 
purj)Ose. I was a.uthoiized likewise by the President, to 
sell any of the ])ublic j>i-operty of the State, for* the ])ur- 
pose of defraying the expenses of the Pi-ovisional Gov- 
ernoiship. This I would not do. For six months no 
money was received or paid out by the State. When 
was there ever a. more economi(;al administration of a 
State Government! The Mississippi Governoi-, Sharkey, 
levied a tax on cotton to defi-ay the expenses of his 
Provisional Governoisliipof that State. ]n eveiy other 
State there was money raised in someway, to maintain 
the State Government. In South Carolina alone, there 
were no taxes levied, and no money received into the 
pul)lic treasury. 

During the lattei- pait of my administiation, 1 
ordei-ed the fornmtion of volunteer companies of militia 
in evei'v distiict, for the purpose of preserving oi'der 
and keeping the peace of the State. These companies 
weie to be an auxiliary force to the Federal trc^ops and 



286 Provisional Governorship. 

receive their orders from the eommaiiders at the diftei-- 
ent ports. This proclamation jraVe jureat satisfaction, 
and in almost every district C(nnpanies were orjranized. 
This had a most salutary influence in deterrinji' the 
vicious, keeping; the neoi-oes <]uiet and relieving,- the 
a])prehensions of the people. 

Tlie only serious annoyance which I had during- my 
term of office, was the continued reports of g:rievances 
all over the State, which I could not relieve or redress. 
Every mail broug:lit me some complaint a,g,ainst the 
F'ederal troops, the Negroes, Treasury agents, &c., &c. 
Where the colored troops were stationed, these com- 
plaints were indeed hoi-iible. But I was powerless. I 
could only bring- these g;rievances to the notice of the 
commanding: General, and ask him tu encijuiie into 
them. The Ti-easui-y agents were a. cursed set of rogues 
and scoundi'els. 

Their lawless depredations wei-e most villainous. 
They took hoi-ses, cotton, mules, saddles and wagons, 
wherever it suited their convenience, without any 
regard to the title of the pioperty thus taken. They 
received bribes whenevei- they were offei-ed, and levied 
black-mail wherever they went. I went to the head of 
the Treasury and reported several of these scoundrels. 
Mr. McCulloug'h sent for a stenog-rapher and took down 
all that 1 said. He assured me they should be brought 
to justi(te. I also spoke to the President in reference to 
the same matter. He told me that these cotton agents 
were the greatest scoundrels he had ever had anything 
to do with, and regretted that the Government had ever 
undertaken to seize cotton. 

1 will mention one instance of the roguery of these 
cotton agents. Major Fry, an officer of the army, 
seized a quantity of cotton in Pendleton, and hired an 
agent to haul and sliip it. This agent was to receive 



Provisional Governorship. 287 

twFnty or thirty bales for his services, with the under- 
staiidino- that he was to f?ive Fry one-half of the pro- 
ceeds of his cotton when sold. 

The Provisional Governorship of South Carolina. 

No. 8. 

Just before I was relieved as Provisional Governor, 1 
addressed a lonji; communication to the Secretary of 
State, informing: him that our State Government was 
then fully or<iariized, and requesting- that the Federal 
troops miixht be removed from the State, except in 
Charleston, Beaufort and Georg^etown. I reminded him 
of a former communication to me, in which he promised 
to withdraw all the troops from South Carolina, as 
soon as the State Government was fully organized. I 
urged, too, the re-establishment of the Federal Courts 
in South Carolina, so that the treasury agcents might be 
dis])ensed with. I gave him a full detail of their rascal- 
ity and rog,uery. 

I also continued my remonstrance on the employment 
of Neoro troops by the Federal Government in South 
Carolina, and I gave him a detail of their atrocious 
conduct. At Newberry Court House they took a. young 
gentleman from Texas out of the ladies' car, and shot 
him for resisting- the intrusion of the Negjro soldiers on 
the ladies! At Anderson they protected and carried off 
a Neg,ro who had wantonly murdered his young 
master! At Greenville, the Negro troops had knocked 
down the citizens in the streets, without the slightest 
provocation! At Pocotaligo, they had gone to a gen- 
tleman's house, and after tying him, had violated the 
ladies. I never received any reply to this couimunica- 
tion. But the Negro troops were removed from the 
upper country, thouirh not from the lower country for 
a great while. The father of the young Texa.n, mur- 
dered at Newberry, wrote me a letter, requesting that 



288 Pkovisional Governorship. 

the officers and murderers of his son should be bronjiht 
to Justice. I sent his letter to the military commander 
in Charleston, but do not know that any notice was 
taken of it! 

Whilst Provisional Governor, I think I received, ex- 
amined and forwarded bptween two and three thousand 
applications for pardon in six months ! There may 
have been more; I ke])t no record of them. They were 
mostly from persons who were worth more than twenty 
thousand dollars. I did not reject a :;in<>le application. 
Two or three applications were sent back by me, be- 
cause they did not expi-ess any loyalty to the Govern- 
ment, and I thought the oiuission intentional. The 
conduct of the Radical party since, has been so infa- 
mous, that I should not now bhime an applicant for 
omittino- all professions of loyalty to the Federal Gov- 
ernment whilst in their hands. My heart has been more 
weaned from the General Government since the second 
reconstruction of South Carolina than it was durin<;- 
the whole war! My only hope is that some unforeseen 
event may occur to produce a chani^'e in our rulei-s. 

I stayed at Nickerson's Hotel during- thesittinff of the 
Convention, the Exti-a Session of the Legislature and 
the regular Session, and had a suite of rooms opening 
into each other. During the convention 1 was the guest 
of mine host, and he would not receive any compensa- 
tion for his accommodations. My sitting room was 
filled with company from nine o'cloctk in the morning, 
till ten at night. Gentlemen, ladies and children, came 
to report grievances, to consult, to talk, to get par- 
dons. I did not have time to go to the convention or 
Legislature but once or twice. Besides receiving all this 
company, I had innumerable letters to read and answer, 
applications for pai'dons to examine and forward to 
Washington, «fec., &c. My symj)athies were deeply ex- 
cited by the grievances of the unfortunate poor I'efugees. 
They had been persons of wealtli, had lived in luxury all 



Provisional Governorship. 289 

their liv^es, and had iipver before known what want was. 
There they were without fortune, money, or the means 
of living ! Mnny of them had nothing to eat except 
l)rea(i and water, and were thankful if they could get 
bread! Truly their fate was a sad one, and appealed 
Kti'ongly to the sympathies of the community. But 
there were vei-y few of their neighbors or friends who 
could assist them. Sherman's army and the Confed- 
ei-ate troops had consumed the entire provisions of the 
counti-y, and what had not been consumed was wan- 
toidy destroyed by the Ya,id<ees. 

Mr. PHtigiu once said to me before the war com- 
menced : '"These Parish gentlemen are the biggest fools 
in the woi-ld foi- wishing disunion. They will suffer more 
than any othei-s by a civil war. Their homes and [)rop- 
ei'ty will beat the mercy of the Yaid<ees. Their slaves 
will leave them, and they will have to flee the country." 
How prophetic were these words! 

Mr. Townsend, one of these refugees, came to me with 
a long |)etition, signed by flfty or a hundred land pro- 
priet<jrs on the Islands, asking the restoration of their 
lands. ] remembered he was one of the most violent of 
disunionists just before the war, and had written a 
pamphlet headed: "The South must be governed by 
Southern men." How little did he then think of having 
the Yankees governing the South, at first with their 
bayonets, and then with carpet-baggers and Negroes 
and scalawags! His slaves put in possession of his 
princely estate and he a refugee from home and his rich 
possessions! And yet, all this ruin atid humiliation 
originated in his own folly and madness! I wrote a 
most earnest appeal to the President, in favor of these 
petitioners. But nothing that I could do for him and 
the other j)etitioners, seemed to have any effect on him. 
He was one of twenty who voted against me for 
the United States Senate, after all my exertions in 
his favor. I cot the convention to authorize me to 



290 Provisional Governorship. 

appoint an anient, whose duty it should be to go to 
Washington and represent these relugees in tiying to 
recover their lancJs. 1 appointed W. H. Trescott, Esq., 
who was most favorably known in Washington, and 
had once been act iug Secretary of State. He procureci 
an order for the restoration of these confiscated lands, 
but General Saxton and his sub-agents thwarted in 
some way the ])urport and design of this order, and 1 
believe the Negroes are still in posses.sion of these lands. 

The enian<'ipation of the slaves rendered it necessary 
to have legislation in regard to their condition and 
status in society. The convention authorized me to 
O])point two lawyers to prepare a code on this subject 
and subnnt the same to the Legislature atits tirst regu- 
lar session. 1 selected Judge Wardlaw and the Honor- 
able Armistead Burt for this purpose. They piepared 
a.n elaborate code of laws which was adopted by the 
Legislature. But this code gave great offense to the 
P^^deral authorities, and a reconsti-uction of the State 
followed. 

Whilst Provisional Governor, I addressed a. commu- 
nication to the Secretary of State to know if the [.legis- 
lature of South Carolina would be permitted to assume 
her proportion of the dii-ect tax levied by the Federal 
Govei-nment? And whether indulgence would be given 
the State in paying the same? I urged the desolation 
and ruin of the State by the civil war as a reason for 
this indulgence. I said it was utterly impossible for the 
people to pay this tax at that time. The Secretary 
replied that this indulgence could not be given without 
an act of Congress authorizing it. In my message to 
the Legislature, I recommended that this debt should 
be assumed by the State, as she was authorized to do, 
under the Federal Constitution. But the Legislature 
did not act on my recommendation. I saw afterwards 
a statement showing that one-half this direct tax had 
been paid by the sale of refugees' lands in the lower 
country. 



Provisional Governorship. 291 

The conversion of the South Carolina Colletre into a 
Univei-sity was a ineasure which had lonij; been a.rlvo- 
cated in the Leoislature, and before the Hoard of Ti-ns- 
tees. Colonel William C. Preston, the former President 
of the College, was sti-ongly in favor of the change, and 
wrote me several lett(M-s on the subject from the Virginia 
University. I urged this matter on the Legislature in 
my first message to that body. The reasons I assigned 
for the change were too strong under the then existing 
circumstances to be resisted. After this change had 
been made I whs very anxious to have the Honorable 
R. W. Barnwell elected to fill one of the chairs in the 
University. He was then living at Greenville and in 
great want. He had been President of the College, and 
was one of the pni-est and best n)en I ever saw. He had 
distinguished himself in the Senate of the United States 
and in the Confederate Senate. He had consulted me 
about opening a school. He said his fortune was gone 
and he had to do something for a living. I then sug- 
gested to him the Presidency of the College, which was 
then vacant, and he expresssd himself delighted with 
the idea. When the Board of Trustees were going into 
the election for Professoi-s of the various chairs, I 
nominated Mr. Barnwell for the chair of History, &c. 
To my utter surprise, 1 found there was strong ol)jec- 
ti(Mi to him. Most of the members had pledged their 
support to Colonel Haskell, a most promising and 
highly intellectual young member of the Legislature 
fi-om Abbeville. He was one of ray aides as Provisional 
Governor, and 1 had the highest regard for him as a 
gentleman and scholar. But I thought Mr. Barnwell 
would give more reputation to the University, and was 
better known throughout the State. Mr. Barnwell was 
elected and has been in the University ever since, per- 
forming all his duties as a professor, a scholar, a Chris- 
tian and a gentleman. 



:..^ . ._ . — - ... - . _^ ^a.. 



FAREWELL SPEECH OF GOVERNOR PERRY 

TO THE 

Legislature of South Carolina as Provisional Governor. 

DECEMBER, 1865. 

Tl T|P^^^ enterins: the hall of the House of Represeiita- 
^^^. tives, aceompanied by the Govenioi-elect, where 
the inaiijiural ceremonies took place, Piovisioiial- 
(loveiiior B. F. Perij said : 

Senntors find Mpinhers of the House of Representatives: 

I have coine here to-day to bid yon fa?-ewell, as Pro- 
visioucil Govei'iior of South Caroliiui, and to con^iratu- 
late you on the restoration of the State, (Mice more to 
self-in'overnment and indeijendence, as a mend)er of the 
Federal Union. Like the leader of God's chostMi people 
of old, I hax'e had the honor of conduetinin- you thron«;h 
the wilderness, within sijiht of the promised land, but 
am not pei-nntted to entei- it. That i^reat l)Oon has 
been i-esei-ved foi' my distinouished fiiend, who is now 
about to be inaugurated as the first Chief Ma.i;istiate of 
the State ever elected by the soverei<2,n people. If not 
within "three days," he will within a vei-y short time 
be able to pass you over the confusion and military 
ride, under which you have so lon.u' lived, to that happy 
state in which you will be able to govern yourselves, 
and enjoy all the liohts and [)rivileges of a free and 
enli<>htened people. Under his wise and able adminis- 
tration, I hope to see the <>;)od old State revive, pros- 
per, and be once more happy. 

I am sure, <>entlemen, that I may say with perfectpro- 



Farewell Speech. 293 

priet y, as the representative of the Federal Govern rnent 
in South Carolina, that the State has done enough to 
entitle hoT- to be received back as a member of the Fed- 
eral Union, with all of her Constitutional riji;hts fully 
restored. »She was foremost in assuminj^ the [)ost of 
danger in the recent revolution, ar.d in her appeal to 
arms in defense of what she honestlj^ believed to be her 
reserved rights as a State. Gallantly and nobly her 
sons fought through the war, pouring out their blood 
and sacrificing their lives on almost every battlefield 
throughout the Southern States. When conqueied by 
overwhelming numbers, seeing their towns and villages 
nothing but smouldering ruins, their beloved State a 
widespread desolation, their wives, and sisters, and 
little children, and aged parents at the point of starva- 
tion, like brave men they accepted the decrees of God. 
and submitted themselves to the dire fortunes of war. 
Sad and silent, with manly fortitude and tirmness, they 
awaited the terms of the conqueror. When those terms 
were made known, they were first, with a generous 
pride and high chivali-y, to assume the humiliation 
which their State had been foi-emost in bringing on our 
common country. 

As soon as the President's Proclamation was issued, 
the people of South Carolina went cheerfully forward 
and took the amnesty oath. They promptly assembled 
in Convention, under the order of the Provisional Gov- 
ernor, and reformed their State Constitution, as was 
desired by the President. They abolished slavery, and 
freely gave up their two hundred millions invested in 
slaves. When advised to a.dopt the Congressional 
amendment to the Constitution of the United States 
abolishing slavery, South Carolina was the first South- 
ern State which ratified the same, and set an example 
for her sister States to follow. She has been first, also, 
in preparing a wise and humane code of laws for the 
protection of the freedmeu in all their rights of personal 



294 Farewell Speech. 

property, and allowinji- theni to ji:ive testimony in her 
Courts of JiLstice. She haw now elected her Kepresenta- 
tives in both Houses of Conp,Tess, and ooin missioned 
them to take their seats in that body. She has organ- 
ized a pei-feot State Government, with Lei>islative, Exec- 
utive and Judiciary Departments, all republican iu their 
character, and the members of each swearino- to support 
the Constitution of the United States. Her ordinances 
of Secession have been repealed, anri she now pled<::es 
herself to stand by the Union in ^'ood faith, and with all 
sincerity. 

Havinji,- done all this, you and your State have done 
your duty, gracefully and faithfully, as becomes a oal- 
lant and generous people, who are never afraid to 
assume any position where honor and patriotism 
prompt. I know the President d(\sires to relieve you of 
milita,i-y rule, and see youi' re|)resenta,tiv(»s once more 
seated in the councils of the nation. I cannot believe 
that Congress will exclude them by a test oath, which 
does not apply to members of Congress, for they are not 
officers of the Federal Government, as was early decided 
in the history of our Government. Nor has Congress 
any power to impose on its members any other oath 
than that yjrescribed in the Constitution. To admit a 
contrai'y doctrine, would enable the majority in Con- 
grcf^s to exclude the minority, because they were Demo- 
crats, or States' Rights men, or professed any other 
piinciples repugnant to the creed of the majority. The 
Constitutional oath was wisely ordained, and excludes 
all other oaths. The powers of Congress are delegated 
and specific, and they have no others. The I'eason for 
the passage of this test oath has passed away, find if 
not repealed, no one in South Carolina can fill a Federal 
office till a. new generation has sprung up, for all now- 
living — men, women and children — did, in some way 
countenance the war. 

It is known to you, gentlemen, that [ was opposed to 



Farewell Speech. 395 

the secession of South Carolina. No man in America 
regretted more deeply than I did this fatal movement, 
for I thought I foi-esa.w all the evil consequences which 
have resulted from it. But, when the issue was made 
my feelings of sympathy we!'e all with my native State. 
And yet, I conscientiously believed that even the success 
of thp Southern States would be disastrous. The jeal- 
ousies and errors of the (irecian States were constantly 
in my mind. Disintegration once commenced in aeon- 
federation of i-epublics no one could foresee wheie it 
would end, except in petty tyrannies, or a consolidated 
military desyjotism. 

Henceforth, no one will repudiate the farewell advice 
of Washington, as to the importance and perpetuity of 
1 he Federal Union. It has shown a. power and strength, 
moral and ]>hysical, which defy dissolution, till some 
extraordinary change has taken place in the condition 
of the people. The tendency of civilization is to enlarge 
governments, and not to disintegrate them. All causes 
of discontent or dissatisfaction between the North and 
the South, have VjHen removed by the abolition of slavery. 
The different sections of this great Republic are mutu- 
ally dependent on each other, and the one cannot live 
well without the others. The Southern States plant 
cotton, and the Northern States manufacture it. The 
great West grows grain, and rjiises live stock for the 
supply of l)oth sections. We all speak the same lan- 
guage, and have the same common origin. Our opin- 
ions and feelings in regard to the republican pi-inciples 
of goverimient are identical. There is, too, a similarity 
in our pursuits and habits, maimers, customs, and 
religion and education. 

History teaches us that the present asperity of feeling 
which may exist in the bi-easts of many, in consequence 
of the wi-ongs and injuries of the war, will soon wear 
out. Brave and honorable men ai'e always ready and 
willing to become reconciled. History teaches us, too, 



296 Farewell Speech. 

that the ravaj^es of war are much more easily repaired 
than one is apt to suppose. An industrious and enter- 
prisino; people will soon restore a country desolated by 
war. Such a people may soon convert a wilderness into 
productive and highly improved farms. No one need 
despair of the State. In a few years, with peace and 
industry, everything; will change and wear a prosperous 
and happy aspect. 

You have, gentlemen, in your legislative capacity, 
arduous and responsible duties to perform, requiring 
great prudence and forethouo:ht. Your finances and 
banking system, now prostrate, have to be restored; 
your laws have to be amended to suit the changed con- 
dition of the State; your militia, system, now more im- 
portant than- ever, requires your earliest consideration ; 
your Judiciary must be restored, and in some respects 
it would by proper to make improvements in the sys- 
tem. But I am trespassing on the prerogatives of the 
Constitutional Governor. Henceforth, all of my com- 
munications, as the representative of the P'ederal Gov- 
ernment, must be made through him and to him. I 
hope most devoutly that I may have none to make, 
except onn, which authoi'izes me to say that the Presi- 
dent of the United States recognizes South Carolina, 
once more, as a member of the Federal Union, fully 
restored to all of her Constitutional rights. 

In conclusion, gentlemen, let me return yon my most 
grateful thanks for the very flattering manner in which 
you have conferred on me the high and distinguished 
trust of representing the State of South Carolina in the 
Senate of the United States. And let me assure you 
that all my energies and humble talents will be devoted 
to the promotion of the best interests of the State, her 
welfare and honor. 

I bid vou an affectionate adieu. 



HISTORY 

OF THE 

Philadiphia National Union Convention in 1866. 



Written by ex-Governor B. F. Perry in 1872. 

Tj STARTED about the first of Auo:ust, 1866, to attend 
L\ the Philadelphia, National Union Convention. At 
Belton I n«et Governor Orr and General Harrison. We 
were joined by Judoe VVardlaw and General McGovvan 
at Cokesbni-y. In Columbia we were detained all one 
day, and I went to see njy friends, the Honorable 
Robert Barnwell and Mrs. John LeConte. Mr. Barn- 
well <i;ave me a p,Teat deal of yjrudent advice relative to 
the course to be pursued by the Southern delegates in 
the Convention. He thought we ought to be entirely 
passive and simply acquiesce in what was done. We 
ought not to speak unless it was to represent the condi- 
tion of the South and the feelings of the Southern 
people. Pi'ominence should be given to the Republicans 
in everything, and the Democrats keep in the back- 
ground. 

At Chester we were gratified with meeting Judge 
Dawkins and his lady, and also his brother, Judge 
Dawkins, of Florida, and Colonel Farrow, of Spartan- 
burg. We had a bountiful supply of provisions and 
something to drink. Our journey to Richmond was 
very pleasant. There the omnibus carried us, against 
understanding and earnest protestations, to the Ex- 
change Hotel, instead of the Spotswood. In order to 
show our independence, and that we were not to be 
carri^^d where the omnibus driver saw proper to land us, 
we all determined to walk on to the Spotswood Hotel. 



298 National Union Convention. 

where we wei-e handsomely eiitertaiiided till we took 
the nit2;ht train for Washington. We ai'rived tliere 
al)ont da ylig:ht, and stopped at Willard's. After ooiiig 
to headquarters of the Johnson Club to enroll our 
names as members of tlie Pliiladpjphia Convention, we 
went to call on the President. His ante or reception 
room was full, and we had to wait several hours before 
g-etting an audience. In the meantime, we made the ac- 
quaintance of a. great many delegates fi-oni the North- 
west, who were waiting, like ourselves, to see President 
Johnson. When we wei-e nshei-ed into the presence of 
His Excellency, he made us a shoi-t speech; told us he 
was very hopeful of the convention, ami that it was the 
most important convention which had asseml)led since 
the adoption of the Federal Constitution. The Piesi- 
dent was looking remai-Uably well, and seemed in good 
spirits. I thought he had im))i-()ved in evei-y respect 
since I last saw him — his ap[)earance giving the lie to 
all the slanders about his di-irdving. He is indeed a very 
wonderful man. 

In the evenitig we took the train for Philadelphia, and 
had a very unpleasant ride in old cars tilled to suffiea- 
tioti with delegates. All the way I heard the inquiry 
made whether A^allandigham would be permitted to 
take his seat in the convention? This surprised me very 
much. I thought all would be willing to receive anyone 
who could give strength or bring inflnence to the con- 
vention. T said, if Vrdlatidighani was to be excluded 
on account of his Southern sympathies during the Wfir, 
all the delegates from the Southern States ought like- 
wise to be excluded. There was certaitdy more [)i()- 
priety in rejecting arebel,than a mere sympathizer with 
rebels. Weai-rived in the city about midnight and took 
lodgings at the Continental Hotel. I had telegi-aphed 
from Columbia to res^^rve rooms for us. Thinking from 
the high souiuiing titles affixed to our na.mes, that we 
were all gentlemen of fortunes, the hotel keeper had re- 



National Union Convention. 299 

served a majiiiificent pi-ivate parlor adjacent to our 
sleepino- apartments for uh to i-eoeive oui" company in, 
and for which he charged ns a round sum when our bills 
were footed up. A <ireat many dele<iates and friends 
did, however. ])ay us the honor of callino- to see us the 
next day, which was Sunday. 

In the evenino;. Governor Orr was deputed by some of 
his Western friends to call on Mr. Vallandioham and 
uro-e on him the propriety of his not taking his seat in 
the convention. The Governor requested me to accom- 
pany him, which I did; but at the same lime, express- 
ino; myself decidedly hostile to the object of his mission. 
I thought it a preat ontrage for such a proposition to 
be made by a Southern man. We found Mr. Valla.ndig- 
ham in the midst of a large circle of friends, who had 
called at his room to see him. After chatting awhile, he 
requested us to walk into another room, where Gov- 
ernor Orr briefly stated the object of his visit. He tohJ 
Mr. Vallaiidighani that his withdiawal, for the sake of 
harmony, would redound to his popularity, and be ap- 
preciated by himself and foes. In reply, Vallandigham 
spoke for about an hour most admirably, eloquently 
and feelingly. He said the opposition to his taking his 
vseat, came from men who had grieviously injured him, 
and never could forgive him, although he had never 
harmed one of them. It was easier for an injured man 
to forgive an injury, than for the one inflicting the 
injury to forget it. He said his voluntary with- 
drawal from the conv^ention would be a confession 
of infamy on his part — that it would be an acknowl- 
edgement that his antecedents had been such as to ren- 
der him unworthy of a seat with honorable and patri- 
otic men. Moreover, he had been appointed by his 
constituents to represent them, and it would be an un- 
worthy abandonment of his trust. If he was excluded 
for sympathizing with the South, how could Southern 
delegates be allowed to take their seats? He spoke of 



800 National Union Convention. 

his exile and persecution durino- the war, and the course 
he had pursued. He said for two .years his family were 
prisoners in thier own house. His little son was threatened 
with assassination if he appeared in the streets. His 
wife never left her house except by a back street, to see 
her niece. He told us that he would have been elected 
Governor of Ohio whilst he was in exile, but for the in- 
vasion of Pennsylvania and Ohio by the Confederate' 
armies. President Davis had sent two gentlemen to sec 
him, and one was a South ('arolinian. He disclosed his 
plans to these gentlemen, and urged President Davis to 
make terms with the Federal Government whilst he had 
the power of doing so. That it was impossible ever to 
establish Southern independence. That the Democi-atic 
party North never would consent to disunion. That in 
all his intercourse with them, he had only seen six men 
who weie willing to have peace on terms of separation. 
He said notwithstanding this determination, they ex- 
ulted in every Southei-n victory, under the belief that 
the Federals would quit fighting if beaten back a,nd 
make peace, and that peace would restore the Union. 

Mr. Valla ndigharn said, with great correctness and 
emphasis, that if Johnson did not carry the Northern 
election that Fall, the whole country stood in danger of 
being defcaterl by a. terrible civil war. He explained 
how it would be brought about. If the Radicals were 
successful in the elections that Fall, they would impeach 
President Johnson, and attempt to revolutionize the 
Government. If they still kept the Southern States out 
of the Union, and excluded their votes in the next Presi- 
dential election, wc should have two Presidents, two 
Congresses and civil war. He was very confident of car- 
rying Ohio that Fall, but spoke contemptuously of the 
strength to be gained fi'om the Republican ranks by 
any proposed coalition with that party. He said the 
accession from that party would not be enough to fill 
the offices of the State. 



National Union Convention. 301 

In the course of his v^ery interesting- remarks, he said 
if President Johnson had broke with the Radicals when 
Congress assembled, he would have carried one-half of 
the body with him. If he had broke with them when 
he vetoed the Civil Rights Bill, he could have carried 
one-third of the party, but now he would carry none 
with him. When he heard of Lincoln's death, he 
thought and said that Johnson would be the salvation 
of the country. Lincoln was a cunning, unprincipled 
joker, promising everything to everybody, and utterly 
regardless of his promises. Johnson was a man of firm- 
ness and principle — a Democrat and a Southern man. 
This was a great improvement on TJncoln. 

Mr. Vallandigham was utterly opposed to breaking 
up the Democratic party, and expected yet to see them 
governing the country. He said he received more votes 
for Governor of Ohio than any candidate ever did be- 
fore, and yet he was beaten one hundred and twenty 
thousand votes. The whole army, from Massachusetts, 
Connecticut and other States, was allowed to vote 
against him. Some of the soldiers boasted that they 
voted five times at the election. 

I saw that he was determined to take his seat in the 
convention, and I said to him, let your determination 
be known at once. The opposition will grow till your 
decision is known. I was anxious that he should take 
his seat, and thought it impolitic and cruel to exclude 
him. Governor Orr was in favor of excluding him, as 
he thought it would break up the convention if he went 
into it. When the Governor found that the South Car- 
olina delegation would not vote to exclude him, he pro- 
posed that we should not vote at all. This I vehemently 
opposed. Judge Dawkinsand several other South Caro- 
lina delegates favored this proposition. I said it was 
unmanly, impolitic and ungrateful in the South, to pur- 
sue such a course towards a man who had made such 
sacrifices, and suffered so much for the South and in the 



302 National Union Convention. 

eaiipieof constitutional liberty. I became excited, and 
with ^Teat earnestness, declared that sooner than see 
Val]andi<;hani treated so nnjustly, the convention 
might break up and g-o to perdition. There was a per- 
son in therooni at the time who seemed greatly shocked 
at my expression. The next morning' he said to a friend 
of mine, that he had traveled with me three or four 
days, and thought, from m^' sedate appeara.nce, that I 
was a member of the church, and that my denunciation 
fell on his ears like a clap of thunder in clear sun- 
shine. 

I was vevy much impressed with Vallandighani's abil- 
ity, firmness and patriotism. He was a great man and 
talked like a man of genius. He looked better than he 
did when I first saw him in the Charleston Convention 
in I860. Governor Orr said he was ambitious, selfish 
and egotistic. These are very apt to be the qualities of 
a politician, and even of a great statesman. Mi*. Cal- 
houn had his full share of them. Cicero was the prince 
of egotists, and so was Demosthenes. In 1859 or 1860, 
before I had ever seen Vallandigham, I was so mu(;li 
pleased with one of his speeciies in Congress, that I 
wrote to our member of Congress, Colonel Ashmoie, 
to ])resent my grateful thanks to hiui for his nobleeffort 
in favor of the South and constitutional liberty, and 
that it was the speech of a gentleman, a patriot and 
a statesma.n. Mr. Vallandigham was so much pleased 
with the compliment, that he begged the letter of Col- 
onel Ashmore to send his wife. Poor Valhindighani! 
how deeply I mourned his untimely and sad death ! 

Monday morning, (lovernor Manning, Judge Moses, 
Colonel Thomas Y. Sinimons, Colonel Campbell, Mr. 
Shingler, and other delegates from South Carolina, ar- 
riv(Ml. From my memoranda, it seems the convention 
did not meet till Tuesday. Our parlor was filled with 
visitors all day, and till a late hour at night. Tuesday 
morninii' the Massachusetts delegation called in a bodv 



National Union Convention. 308 

to pay their ips])pcts to the RonMi Cnroliiia deleo-ation. 
TliHV wHi-p very cordial and kind, and really seemed to 
feel as if they were o-reetiti<i,' old frienrls. They were all 
Democrats, wjio had bteti persecutfd for their sympa- 
thy with the South, and they had a, riuht to expect a 
cordial wel(M)me from iis. Weji,-aveit most gi'atefully 
and clx'erfnlly. Thr-y jn-oposed that we should ^i'O u|) 
to the convention tooefjiei-. When we got thei-e Mr. 
Spofford, a Massachusetts delegate, and a most charm- 
ing gentleman, suggested that we two delegations 
should go into the convention arm-in-arm. It was so 
ai!i )i i',^l fro n th^ st I'l 1 by rTv)verMor Riudall. The 
convention lose and cheered us most vocifei-ously, and 
made us mai-ch round the room, so that all could see 
tht' harmonious and affectionate spi^(;ta.cle. Immediately- 
this was telegraphed to Piesideiit Johnson, and it af- 
fected him to tea is of joy ! The effect was most happy 
on the convention and thi-oughout the country. 

1 t I'cia »" t 1^ c'liir, (r^isral Dix, of Nev York, made 
a. most admirable address to the convention. How 
little did we then exp(^ct to see him, after delivering such 
a patriotic speech, go over to the Fiepublica.n pai'ty, 
within a few years, and become their renegade candi- 
date foi- (jovei-nor of New Yoi-k. How true it is, that 
most ])oliticiatis ai*e mere gamblers, playing for success, 
without any regard to the interest of theii- country, 
and with as little principle as the veriest black-leg. 
Senator Doolittle was appointed Piesident of the con- 
vention, and made a most happy, api)ropiiate and 
patriotic addi-ess. The wigwam in which we were 
assembled was a huge building, gotten up foi- the occa- 
sion, and could aceoinmodato ten thousand persons. 
It was constructed of rough plank and badly covei-ed. 
The rain began to fall pretty heavy, and the ladies 
found their situation anything but pleasant. 

In the evening. Governor Orr, Geneial McGowan and 
myself were invited by Governor Bigler to dine with 



304 National Union Convention. 

Major James. Mr. Clymer, the Democratic candidate 
for Governor of Pennsylvania, and others were present. 
The Major insisted that I should come and stay with 
him, and bring' a friend with me. He said he had two 
rooms ready for ns. But I declined his hospitality, as 
I was unwillino- to leave the very pleasant company at 
the hotel That night I was invited to make a speech 
in the room of the National Union Club. There were 
fifteen hundred persons present, and never before had 1 
addressed so enthusiastic an audience. I was followed 
by Mr. Perrin. of New York, in one of the most humor- 
ous speeches I ever listened to. Mr. Cleveland, of Hart- 
ford, then addressed the meeting, and we adjourned. 

Wednesday the South Carolina delegation went to 
return the visit of the Massachusetts delegates. We 
were met most cordially, and treated to champagne in 
great abundance. Major General Custer said to Gen- 
eral McGowan : "We were looking at each other in Vir- 
ginia three or four years at a distance, and I am now 
happy to take a nearer view of 3'OU." In going to the 
wigwam. Judge Wardlaw was robbed of his pocket 
book, containing five huiidred dollars, and Colonel 
Campbell of his diamond breast-pin of great value. 

I was appointed on the Committee of Address and 
Resolutions, which assembled that evening at the Con- 
tinental hotel, sixty or seventy in number, and ap- 
pointed a sub-committee to consider the matters referred 
to them and report. I was on this sub-committee, and 
had a long sitting. Mr. Raymond, of New York, had 
prepared an address, which was read, and about one- 
third the historical ])art was [stricken out. In every 
instance where a Southei-n delegate proposed an altera- 
tion, it was agreed to. 

Thursday the convention met and received the ad- 
dress and resolutions. They were adopted amid great 
cheering. The whole convention rose to their feet, and 
the galleries did the same. The ladies waved their white 



National Union Convention. 305 

handkerchiefs, and clapped their little hands, with lovely 
faces wreathed in smiles. The picture, or photog:raph, 
of the convention at this period would have been beau- 
tiful indeed. The ladies and gentlemen sitting or stand- 
ing close together in the galleries, presented a beautiful 
appearance, and looked like mosaic work, with different 
colors of dresses, bonnets, faces, &c., &c. 

Friday evening the South Carolina delegation were 
invited by the Mayor of the city to dine with him and a 
few friends. Mr. McMikell and seven gentlemen sub- 
scribed one thousand dollars to furnish the dinner. It 
was altogether the most magnificent dinner I had ever 
sat down to. It was said that the ma^^or, McMikell 
and his seven friends were worth eight millions of dol- 
lars. They were all black Republicans of the deepest 
dye. Their hospitality surprised every one. General 
McCook, of Ohio, said to me, he could excuse our going 
into the Convention arm in arm with the ^Massachusetts 
delegation, for the}' were Democrats, but our dining 
with the black Republican Mayor of Philadelphia and 
his friends, was too bad ! It was understood that no 
politics were to be talked, but we all made political 
speeches, and they were received most cordially. The 
Mayor said to Colonel Campbell and myself, that he 
begged us to understand that in opposing President 
Johnson, who had deserted them and the Republican 
party North, they were not opposing the South. He 
wished the South restored to the Union. This was said 
on taking leave of him. 

Saturday we were invited to dine with Joshua Francis 
Fisher, Esq., ten or twelve miles in the countr}', who 
married the youngest daughter of my old friend, Gov- 
ernor Henry Middleton, of South Carolina. Mr. Fisher 
was the grand-nephew of Sir Philip Francis, the sup- 
posed writer of Junius Letters. In starting to Mr. 
Fisher's, I had the pleasure of meeting General Meade 
at the railroad depot. He was shabbily dressed, and I 



306 National Union Convention. 

did not at first reco.o-nizf^ liiin. Wlien I met him in Co- 
lumbia, he was in full uniform, and looked the hero and 
hiii:h-bred g-entlernaii. I never before was so forcibly 
struck with the effect of di-ess. General Meade rode 
with us till we stopped to «>o to Mr. Fisher's. The 
South Carolinians whom I introduced to him were very 
much pleased with him. 

Mr. Fisher lived like an Enulish nobleman, in a mao- 
nificent house, with all the im]n-ovement, culture and 
refinement which taste and wealth could su<2,"<iest. His 
residence is filled with the most beautiful statuary and 
paintiiifi's, with rfii*e books and curiosities, eti-uscaii 
relics, &c., &.c. I stayed with him till Monday morniiiii;' 
and went to church with hini and Mi-s. Fisher on Sun- 
day to hear the brothei- of President Buchanan preach. 
He was the pastor of the Episcopal church, and o:a\'e 
us a, vei'y fine sermon. Aftei* servi(^e I was presented to 
him by Mr. Fisher, and had the pleasure of a short con- 
versation with him. The country is in the hifihest state 
of improvement at'ound Philadelj)hia. The farms are 
gardens, and cultivated as j>ardens. 

Monday morninii; T returned to the city, and found 
Judfie Wardlaw and Geneial McfJowan, with an invita- 
tion for me to take up my abode at Mr's. Flemminii's. 
whei-e they were kiiK^ly and most ele<>antly entertained 
by their old friend, who was formerly a citizen of South 
Carolina., and a lady of <rreat fortune. I cann(>t close 
these reminiscences without mentiornnj;" a lady whose 
acquaintance it was my <;"ood foi-tune to make, Mrs. 
Reed, the wife of Colonel Reed, a, delegate from (ieoi-<iia, 
and the daug:htei- of Judiie Nesbit, of Georiiia,, and the 
cousin of my old friend, Henry Youn<>', Esq., of Laui-ens, 
S. C. She was a, most beautiful, accomplished and 
chai-min<>' lady, and added orf>;itly to the interest of our 
Southern party at the Continental Hotel. It is sad to 
thiid< how many pleasant and a<^reeable acquaintances 
we make in ti'avelin<i,-, whom it is not our <'ood fortune 



National Union Convention. 307 

ever to meet again in life! Perhaps never hear of again ! 
This Philadelphia Convention which promised so 
much, ended in nothing. The Republicans who met us, 
and acted with us, soon returned to their old party, 
and foi-got their new allies. Mr. Raymond, who drew 
the very able and patriotic address adopted by the 
convention, became as much of a Republican partisan 
as he was before he went to the great National Union 
Convention of Philadelphia. 




WHO FREED THE SLAVES. 

A TRENCHANT LETTER OF EX-GOVERNOR PERRY. 



RE-PUBLISHED IN 1888. 



[From the Charleston News and Courier.] 

JflfftHE following- letter of ex-Governor Perry, written 
"^ in 1876, is republished, by request, as having- 
special value at this time as an exposure of the rank sel- 
fishness and hypocrisy of the Republican party in their 
treatment of the colored people: 

Greenville, S. C, Sept. 15, 1876. 

To His Excellency, Governor Cbnmberhiin — Sir : With 
all due deference to the high office which you at this 
time fill in South Carolina, I shall i-eply to some of your 
statements in your campaign speeches, as reported in 
the newspapers. 

The colored people have been told over and again by 
their unprincipled leaders that if they voted for the 
Democratic yjarty they would be thrown back into 
slavery again, and all their political i-ights taken from 
them. I do not charge you, sir, with having uttered so 
flagrant a falsehood, but you did say, at Lancaster, 
Marlboro and other places, that the Republican party 
set the Negroes free, a,nd they ought to, in gratitude for 
their freedom, stand by and support that party. Now, 
sir, this assertion, in point of fact, is not true, and as a 
lawyer you knew it was not true. 

The State Convention of South Carolina, representing 
all the slave-holders of the State, did almost unani- 
mously, in 1865, abolish slavery, and declare in their 
Constitution that it should never exist again in the 
State. The Legislature of South Carolina soon after- 
wards adopted the amendment to the Federal Constitu- 



Who Freed thk Slaves. 309 

tion, declaring that slavery should never again exist in 
the United States. In this way, and in no other, was 
slavery abolished in South Carolina. 

You know very vvell, sii-, as a constitutional lawyer, 
that neither the President by a proclamation, nor Con- 
gress, by legislation, had any right or authoi-ity, under 
the Federal Constitution, to abolish slavery in the 
States. No one would have dared assume sur-h a prop- 
osition before the Supreme Court of the United States. 
Hence it was urged by the authorities at Washington, 
knowing that President Lincoln's proclamation eman- 
cipating the slaves was mere brutem fulmen, that the 
States themselves in conventions should abolish slavery 
and accept the amendments to the Federal Constitution 
declaring that it should never exist again in the United 
States. 

Now let us ana,l3^ze this great interest and tender 
regard which you say the Republican ])aity have had 
and will have for the colored people. We will find it 
exists solely, and ever has, in the advancement of their 
own interest and their noted jealousy of the Southern 
|)e(jple. The African slave-trade was introduced by 
them, solely for gain, and thousands of them made for- 
tunes by it. Vessels were fitted out in all their ports, 
and sent to Africa to kidnap the poor Negro and sell 
him as a slave to the Southern planters. Was there any 
kindness in this to the colored people? 

They owned slaves themselves and kept them till the 
population of the Noi-thern States became so dense tha^ 
slave labor was no longer profitable. Then they sent a 
uiany of their slaves South as they could and sold them. 
Ultimately their own interest prompted them to abolish 
slavery in their several States. Was there any tendei- 
regard for the colored race in all this conduct? 

They said that by the cultivation of rice and cotton 
in the Southern States with slave labor these States 
surpassed them in prosperity and wealth, ajid had 



310 Who Freed the Slaves. 

control of tin' Federal (loveninient. This excited their 
jealousj and hatred, and under the pretence of philan- 
throphy and humanity they commenced their abolition 
movement for die })nrpose of "onsolidating- the non- 
8lave-h()ldino- States, and uiestino- the Federal Govern- 
ment from their hands. Was tiiis kindness to the 
Ne^iio, oi- selfish ambition and hatred on the part of the 
Ke])ublicaiis? The Northern Democrats had no sympa- 
thy in this movement, and denounced it as fiercely as 
we (Jid at the South. 

The colored people have been told a thousand times, 
and perhaps by you, that the civil war was cariied on 
for their emancipation, that all thefraternai blood shed 
in this contest, and all the lives that were sacrificed, and 
cill the thousand millions of dollars CA'pended, were to 
set them free; when history informs us that after the 
war had continued for a len<;th of time. Congress de- 
claied almost unanimously that this bloody war was 
oidy to lestoie the Union as it was before the war, with 
slavery as a necessary consequence. Did this shov,- any 
regard for tlie poor slave? Were his interests or his 
lights at all considered? They did nothing for them. 
All they wantetl, all they were fighting for, was the 
restoration of the Union. 

When the slaves of Maryland fled from theii- masters 
and went into General B. F. Butler's canip for protec- 
tion, he sent them back to their owners. How much 
regard was there in this for the freedom of the slave? 
It was thought at that time that any interference with 
slavery wouh] defeat the restoration of the Union, for 
which alone they were fighting. They cared nothing for 
emancipation. It was not then in their war pro- 
gramme. 

Again, when a nund>er of coloi-ed troops tendered 
their services to the Government President Lincoln 
refused to receive them. He told them that they be- 
longed to a different race, and could not, with propriety 



Who Freed the Slaves. 811 

be incorporated into the army. This was showiim ^reat 
respect for the colored people. The hope had not then 
been «>iven up of restoritio; the Union as it vvas before 
the war, with shivery in full blast. 

In the course of time, as the civil war [)rogressed, the 
Republican party saw that there was no hope of bring- 
ing- the Southern States back into the Union except by 
conquest and subjugation. Then foi' the first time their 
kindness and consideration for the Negro began to show 
itself. President Lincoln issued a pi-oclamation, declar- 
ing the slaves free in all the States that did not lay 
down their arms and come back into the Union. This 
proclamation showed that they cared nothing for the 
slave or his interest, but oidy as a p^wer to preserve 
the Union; for which alone the war was commenced. 
They were willing for him to continue a slave if this 
would end the war! (iiving up all hope of restoring the 
Union by consent of the Southern States, they began to 
think how best they could conquer and desti'oy the 
South. Then the idea came into their mind of enlisting 
the Negro in their army, and by that means increase 
their forces, and greatly weaken the defence of the 
Southei-n States. Was there any love foi' the coloi'ed 
people in making them soldiers? Putting them as they 
did in the front of battle? They thought oidy of their 
own interest and their own success through the 
slaughter of the colored troops ! 

When the war was over and the conquest of the 
Southern States was accomplished, they did not think 
of giving the right of suffrage to the colored people. 
Governor Morton expiessed the views of the Republican 
party when he declared himself opposed to this exten- 
sion of the right of suffrage. President Johnson, when 
he gave me my instructions as Provisional Governoi- of 
South Carolina, directed me to confine the right of suf- 
frage to white persons who had taken the oath of al- 
legiance. He did not include a single colored man in 



312 Who Freed the Slaves. 

South Carolina. And so it was in all the Southern 
States. I, myself, thou<iht that colored men who could 
read and write and paid a tax on five hundred dollars' 
worth of property should be allowed to vote. The Re- 
publican authorities at Washington thought difl'erentiy 
at that time. But a sudden change came over them 
when they found that all the Southern States had gone 
Democratic, and elected Democratic Governois, mem- 
bers of Congress and Senators. They then determined 
to enfranchise the Negroes and disfranchise the white 
])eoplein order to give all the Southern States to the 
Republican party. Was there any regard for the col- 
ored peo])le in all this? Was it not their own interest 
and theii- own party pui'poses which prompted them to 
l)estow this boon on theNegi-o? They requiied five yeai-s' 
residence before a foreignei- was allowed to vote. This 
was to enable him to become ac<piainted with our laws, 
our constitution and foim of government. Hehad like- 
wise to ])ioduce in court a certificate of good moral 
chatacter. How different was their conduct all at once 
towards the colored people when they adopted the idoa 
(jf controlling the Southern States by means of the 
fi'eedman. Without any pre})ai'ation, oi- education, or 
certificate of moral character, the whole of the freed men 
were declared citizens, with the right of suffra.ge. 

This is the pretended symi)athy of the Republican 
])arty for the Negro. It is false in every particular. 
They nevei- had any sympathy for him except wheie 
their intei-est prompted them to have. 

They were in the first ])lace actuated by a base and 
sordid inteiest in senciing their vessels to Africa and 
selling him as a slave. 

They were actuated by their own interest, when after 
finding that his laboi- was no longer profitable, they set 
him free. 

They consulted their own intei-est, and not the intei-- 
est of the Negro, when thev took him into their armies 



Who Freed the Slaves. 313 

<nid declared that the Southern States should not he re- 
stored to the Union till he was set free. 

They wei-e aotuated by the same motive when they 
<iave him the right of suffrage, and they are now actu- 
ated by the same principles and the same feelings when 
they tell the colored people to vote for the carpet- 
baggei's and scalawags who i-epresent the Republican 
pjirty in the Southern States. 

Your excellency knows full well the corruption of your 
Jiepublican party in South Carolina. You, yourself, 
have denounced it and tried to repress it. The Legisla- 
ture have elected men so infamous to seats on the 
Bench that you have refused to commission them. 
Time and again you have vetoed their fraudulent bills 
and tried to stop their roguery and plunder. Why, 
then, do you ask the ignorant and credulous Negro to 
sustain these rogues and plunderers whom you have 
thus boldly denounced? Why, such men as Moses, Whip- 
per, Bowen and Neagle, Leslie and Whittemore and their 
satellites, are the Republican party in South Carolina. 
The great masse.'- of the coloied people are too ignorant 
to understand the political principles of any party, and 
they have been led asti-ay and turned against their 
Democratic friends, with whom they were born and 
raised, by just such speeches as you made to them at 
Lancaster, Marlboro and other places. 

I am sure, sir, you have too much regard for your rep- 
utation to tell the colored people, as your Rt*publicaii 
understrappers do all over the State, that if the Demo- 
cratic party get into power in South Carolina, they will 
be thrown back into slavery or deprived of all their po- 
litical rights and privileges. You know, sir, that the 
Democratic party has the control of Georgia, Alabama, 
Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, 
Arkansas, and in all those States the colored people are 
better off, more secure in all their rights, more prosper- 



314 Who Freed the Slaves. 

ous and more of freemen than they are in South Caro- 
lina under Repubhcan or Radical rule. 

It has been said that all mankind are t>^overned by 
love or fear. You seem disposed to be goveined by the 
former principle and your understrappers by the latter. 
I am, sir, most respectfully yours, &c.. 

B. F. Perry. 




^j^^^tlp^^flp 



ADDRESS OF EX-GOVERNOR B. F. PERRY 



LITERARY SOCIETIES OF FURMAN UNIVERSISY. 



DELIVERED JUNE 24, 1878. 



Young- Gentlemen of the Literary 

Societies of Furnian University: 

t\ APPEAR before you to-da,,y, in obedience to your 
request, foi- the purpose of addressing- you on the 
anniversary of your societies. Recently, I have declined 
all such honors from societies and colleges abroad ; bu^ 
I did not feel myself justified in refusing to address the 
literary societies of Furnian University. This flourish- 
ing institution of learning is in the city of my home; 
my sons have been educated within its classic wails; 
and, having largely assisted in its endowment, I can 
but feel an interest and piide in its success and pros- 
perity. 

The Furnian University has been established in Green- 
ville for many years past, and has, at all times, had a 
large number of pupils, and a corps of learned profes- 
sors, which would do credit and honor to any college or 
university in the republic of lettei's. The hundreds of 
young men whom it has graduated are now scattered 
all over the State, and most of the Southern States, an 
honor to their Alma. Mater, and honored by the com- 
munities in which they live. 

The recent death of one of your ablest, most learned, 
accomplished, and beloved professors, has been a se- 
rious loss to the University, and the literature of the 



316 Address. 

State. His death has saddened the liearts of all who 
knew him. Di*. Reynolds was no ordinary man. He 
was a Christian gentleman of fervent piety and high 
honor — respected and beloved by all his associates. His 
scholarship and literai-y attainments are well known to 
the Southern States. For nearly the third of a century 
he filled, with distinguished ability, a professor's chair 
in the South Carolina College. When that noble seat 
of learning, and time-honored institution, became dis- 
graced and polluted by the pi-esen«-e of ignorant and 
corrupt carpet-baggers, scalawags and Negroes, lilling 
the seats once occupied by Maxey, Cooper, Lieber, Pres- 
ton, Barnwell, Henry, Thornwell, and other princes of 
litei'ature and science, he retired from its dishonoi'ed 
gi-oves as he would have done from a moral pestilence, 
and accepted position in the Furman University. The 
patriotism of Dr. Reynolds was true and as pure as his 
I'eligion. Nothing could induce him to even make the 
acquaintance of those who had disgraced and dishon- 
ore(i their State. Struck down, suddenly, in the matu- 
rity of his intellect, in the fulness of his learning, and 
amidst his great usefulness, we have ail shed tears over 
his memory. 

When it was proposed, last winter, to reoi'ga.nize the 
South Carolina University, I was a trustee of that insti- 
tution, and received ten or fifteen applications for pro- 
fessorships in it. None of the aijplicants were, in my 
estimation, superior in learning and reputation to the 
professors of the Furman University. This induced me 
to say to the board of trustees that it was not advisa- 
ble to open the State University at the present time. I 
thought the Charleston College and the various denom- 
inational colleges throughout the State would supply 
every demand for education in South Carolina, under 
the present impoverished condition of the people. At 
some future time, when the finances of the State were in 
a better condition, the Legislature might reoi-ganize the 
University with propriety and success. 



Address. 317 

I would not have any one to infer from this that lam 
unfriendly to the most <i:eneral and highest attainable 
education. I know full well that education is civiliza- 
tion, and that "knowledge is power." Culture and 
learning contribute largely to the virtue, patriotism 
and happiness of mankind. The prosperity of every 
people in the world depends in a great measure, on their 
education and knowledge, their learning and science. 

The love of learning, unfortunately, is not universal 
with all men. There a.re many, very many, in t'he mo>-t 
civilized communities of every people who seem to care 
nothing for education and inlellectual improvement. 
But the love of power and influence which learning- 
gives is inherent in human nature. All mankind are 
ambitious of power from the highest to the lowest. It 
pervades all ranks and circles of life, and its exercise 
affords to all, whether good or bad, ignorant or wise, 
the highest gratification. The great statesman is am- 
bitious of power to control and shape the destinies of 
his country. The eloquent orator, whether in the 
Senate, at the bar, in the pulpit, or befoi'e a popular 
assembly, is proud of his influence to move and sway 
the thoughts, feelings and action of his audience. The 
benevolent philanthropist delights in his ability to im- 
prove and elevate the condition of his fellow men. The 
conquering general glories in his power of defeating and 
crushing an opposing army. And the humblest me- 
chanic who treads the earth 'feels as joyfully the success 
of his plodding genius as did the inventor of the steam 
locomotive, the electric wire, the telephone oi' phono- 
graph. That love of power, whethei- gi'eat or small, is 
like Dr. Johnson's definition of pride. This great mor- 
alist said a little school miss was just as proud of a new 
calico dress as a great orator was of an eloquent speech 
which had brought down the applause of an admiring 
Senate. 

It is said, too, that this love of power which learning 



318 Address. 

"ratifies, is not confined to one sex alone; but that 
women are as ambitious of power as men. Two of the 
earliest and most eminent of Bi-itish poets, have told in 
sweet and harmonious verse, the beautiful story of a 
youilg- kni<»ht "in days of old, when Arthni- filled the 
throne," who was condemned to die for an offense 
against the female sex. His api)lication for mercy was 
referred to the quefii in lier council of ladies. They ad- 
judged that his life should be spared on one condition. 
This was, that he would tell them within twelve months 
'• wbiit women most loved." The young knight set out 
to enquire with heavy heart, says the poet, "asked all 
he met, knocked at every door," enquired of men, but 
made his chief i-equest to learn from women themselves 
what they most desired. Each one answered according 
to hei- own mind. One was foi- wealth, another for 
honor and titles. Some pi-eferred beauty, souje dress, 
flattery and pleasure. The widow's wish, says the poet, 
"was oftentimes towed again." The young knight 
was painfully pei'plexed. At le)igth, the day before his 
appointed execution, he met on the wayside, an old 
crone, who told him that she would solve his problem if 
he would promise to marry her. He looked at the ugly 
hag and thought of his death. It was a sad alternative, 
and after some hesitation, he accepted the terms pro- 
jjosed. She told him that sovereignty was what all 
women loved most ; power to do as they pleased, have 
their own way and their own will, whether wife, widow 
or maid. When the Queen and her female PaiOianient 
received this answer, the poet says: "There was not one 
as widow, maid or wife," " but said the knight had well 
deserved his life." The old crone turned out to be a 
young and beautiful princess. 

In all ages and in all countries, every nationality, 
savage or civilized, has had some system of education 
for their children. Herodotus, the father of historians, 
tells us that th'> ancient Persians tauiiht their bovs till 



Address. 319 

fifteen years old ''to ride, to draw the bow and tell the 
truth." They oug-ht to have added to their system of 
education to learn to vvoj-k find study, as well as to 
ride, draw the how and tell the truth. In Sparta, edu- 
cation as well for jiirls as boys, was mostly physical 
and to conceal their faults and crimes. This was to 
make them athletic mutliers, and brave heroes en pable 
of enduring- every hardship at home and in camp. In 
Athens, at her highest state of civilization, philosophy 
seems to have been the chief study in her schools. The 
sciences were not much known and greatly neglected. 
They had no dead languages to learn as we have in our 
schools. 

In regard to our dead languages, Thomas 8. Grimke. 
of Charleston, a finished classical scholar, an able law- 
yei- and a very pure man, wrote several articles in the 
Old Southern Review against devoting so much time to 
the study of Latin and Greek in our academies and col- 
leges. He contended that seven or eight years spent in 
mastering the dead languages was a waste of time in a 
boy's life. He thought those years might be more 
profitably occupied in stndying the sciences, modern 
languages and the practical duties of life. The great 
John Locke, in his system of education, expresses the 
same opinion. And the learned and accomplished 
Thomas Keightly, author of Grecian and Roman my- 
thology, says: "The classics have seen their best days, 
and will never regain the exclusive dominion which they 
once possessed." 

It is certainly true that most boys soon forget theii- 
Latin and Greek, unless the study of these languages is 
kept up after they leave college. Like young ladies, 
who spend years in learning music, which is a very irk- 
some study, for most of them seldom pay any attention 
to it after they become mothers of families. Unless a 
girl has an ear for music, it is a waste of time and 
money in attempting to learn it. How much better 



320 Address. 

would it be foi- her to spend the same length of time in 
the study of domestic dutit\s? 

There is no doubt that the Latin and Greek languages 
are full of beauties; and the study of them will greatly 
impiove one's taste and composition. But this should 
be when the mind is matured and capable of apprecia- 
ting these beauties. In the eaily history of English 
education theie was not much for a boy to learn, except 
the (3ead languages. The study of histoiy, philoso]jhy, 
and all the sciences, was very much neglected. More- 
over the best works were, at that time, in Latin and 
Greek. This is not so much the case now. and we have 
good translations of all the <;lassics. These transla- 
tions did not then exist. A man may now be thor- 
oughly acquainted with Aristotle, Thucydides, Cieeio, 
.Sallust, Pliny, Demosthenes, and all the other classics, 
without knowing a word of Latin or Greek. He can 
read and enjoy the sublimity of the Illiad, the wit and 
humor of Aristophones, the grandeur of ^schylus, the 
loves of Ovid, the beauties of Anacreon or Virgil, in our 
own native English tongue. 

A writer of the thirteenth century, in speaking of 
French education, says that girls were only taught "to 
pray, to love, to sew, and to knit." One would suppose 
that the two first of these studies I'equired no teaching, 
except that of nature, and especially the second. It 
would be well if the two latter were still taught in our 
modern schools, with other domestic and household 
duties. They would certainly render a young lady 
much more competent to discharge the duties of a wife 
and mother, than a smattering of French, and playing 
on the piano. 

Life Is too short to study all the sciences, learn all the 
languages, dead and living, and read all the books 
which are published in modern times. We must nmke a 
selection of studies and books. Hence the advantage 
of a University system over the curiiculum of a college. 



Address. 321 

A student in cjollep^hass to go through a regular course, 
no matter how uninteresting the studies mji y he to hini, 
or ill-Nuited to his geniuH, or how useless in aftei- life. 
But in the University you select those studies which are 
most interesting, and for which you have a talent, and 
which will be of most service to you in your future pro- 
fe.ssion or calling. The study of chemistry, for instance, 
is all important to the student of medicine, but no ser- 
vice to the lawyer or minister in his profession. 

I was greatly impressed with this belief while a mem- 
ber of the Board of Trustees of the South Carolina Col- 
lege, at the same time a member of the Legislature; and 
I labort'd diligently for years, to convert that institu- 
tion into a University. The Honorable W. C. Preston, 
who had been President of the College, united with me 
most cordially in trying to accomplish this important 
and desirable change I urged on the Legislature, 
whilst Provisional Governor of the State, and \t was 
finally accomplished, under the administration of Gov- 
ernor Oi'r, who was a graduate of the Virginia Univer- 
sity, and appreciated that system of'education. 

But no young man should suppose, for a moment, 
that his education is complete when he graduates in a 
college or university. He has only laid the foundation 
of an education on which he is to build the sujjerstruct- 
ure in after life. How silly would it be for a student of 
law, or medicine, or divinity, to suppose his profes- 
sional studies completed when he receives his license to 
practice his profession ! It would be equally stupid for 
the graduate of a college or University to think his 
classical and scientific studies were ended when he 
receives his diplon)a. If he does not continue to culti- 
vate them he will soon cease to derive any practical 
advantages from them. 

It is very gratifying to think how greatly increased 
and improved are the facilities of education all over the 
civilized w oild at the present time, compared with what 



322 Address. 

they were in former days. Schools, aoadeniies, colleg-es 
and universities are now established all over the land. 
Education is g,eneral, and every one at least nia^'^ learn 
to read and write. In Prussia there is a penalty for its 
neglect. In Massachusetts no oue is allowed to vote 
who cannot read and write. In all the United States 
free schools are establisheci in every neighborhood, and 
eolleoes and universities in each State. There were in 
1858, twenty years ago, oue hundred and thirty col- 
leges and universities of established reputation in the 
United States. It is now said that this number has 
been increased to three hundred and sixty -five. 

In the early histoi-y of South Carolina the means of 
acquiring even the i-udiments of an English education 
were very limited. Daring oar colonial history, the 
sons of wealthy parents wei-e sent to England to be 
educated, and the sons of the pooi'were not educated at 
all. The upper ])ortion of South Carolina was settled 
by a hardy, indu.strious and enterprising population 
from Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. These pio- 
neers of civilization came here, in the language of Tally- 
rand, to "make war against the forests and wild ani- 
mals." Their object was to cut down the ti'ees and 
cultivate the soil. Education and learning were hardly 
thought of, and their importance not at all appreciated. 
There were scarcely any schools out of Charleston, and 
no academies or colleges. The sons of these early 
settlers had to work hard from the beginning to theend 
of the year, and had no time to go to school. Their 
highest education, when they had any at all. was to 
read, write and cipher. 

Owing to this want of education in the uppei- country, 
the history of South Carolina, during the Revolutionary 
war, was simply the history of Charleston and a few of 
the adjoining Parishes. Scarcely anything is recorded 
of the gallantry and suffering of the people in the upper 
countrv. After the war was over, the destitution of the 



Address. 323 

State, in the way of schools and colleges, was deei)lj 
felt, and there was a very general disposition, on the 
part of the peo])le, to remedy it. In 1785, two years 
after the ratification of peace, the Legislature passed an 
act incorporating thi-ee colleges — one in Charleston, one 
at Winn.sboro, and one at Old Cambridge. The Charles- 
ton College succeeded and ])rospered, and is still in exis- 
tence, with a high reputation for learning and useful- 
ness. The college at Winnyboro became a respectable 
academy, and is still flourishing as such. The college 
at Cambridge proved an abortion, and never went into 
operation. 

In 1795 the Beaufort College was established and be- 
came a respectable grammar school, with agood library. 
About the beginning of the present century the South 
Carolina College was incorporated and endowed by the 
State. The puipose of erecting a college at the capital 
of the State and in the centie of the State was a 
most laudable and patriotic one. It was intended, 
not only for classical and scientific learning, but to 
destroy sectional prejudices and biiug all the sons 
of Carolina, seeking a high education, together and 
make them acquainted with each other. Previous 
to the Revolutionary war there had been little or no in- 
teicoui'se between the two sections of the State, which 
were settled by distinct and different immigrations. 

At the same time the South Carolina College was 
established under the pationage and endowment 
of the Legislature, free schools were opened all 
over the State at public expense. This, too, was 
a most wise, just and patriotic act. Whilst the 
college supported by the State was principallj^ for 
the benefit of the wealthier class, who were able 
to send their sons to college, the fi-ee schools were 
intended for the education of the poorer classes. This 
system of education worked admirably nntil the com- 
mencement of our civil war. For manv vears the South 



S24 Address. 

Carolina Colleo:e stood pre-eminent as a seat of learning- 
and education in the Southern States. Young gentle- 
men were sent to it from Virginia, North Carolina. 
Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Its alumni were 
seattered over most of these States, filling inanj of 
their highest and most important offices. 

The South Carolina College was under the influence of 
no particular religious denomination. The professors" 
chairs were filled alike by Baptists, Methodists, Presby- 
terians and Episcopalians. Sometimes the professors 
belonged to no religious sect whatever. In the course 
of time, as the different denominations became wealthy 
and numerous, they very naturally felt a pride in having 
institutions of learning of their own. This feeling, too, 
was no doubt increased by an iireligious sentiment 
which sprung up in the college under the presidency of 
Dr. Cooper. He was a man of great learning — kind- 
hearted, and amiable — butan open and avowed infidel in 
religion. Hence, arose in the course of time, the various 
denominational colleges in the State. The Methodists 
established the Wofford College at Spartanburg, the 
Seceders their Erskine College at Due West, the Baptists 
their Furman University at Greenville, the Lutherans 
their Newberry College, and the Presbytei-ians their 
Adger College at Walhalla. 

These sectarian colleges necessarily drew a large num- 
ber of students who would otherwise have gone to the 
State institution. It is proper here to say that none of 
the denominational colleges are sectarian in their 
teachings. 

When South Carolimi shall have recovered from the 
spoilation and roguery of the thieves and scoundrels 
who have governed and oppressed her for the last de- 
cade in her history, under- the piotection of Federal bay- 
onets, it is to be hoped that the State University will be 
reorganized on the highest standard of education and 
literature; and that all the professors' chaii-s will be 



Address. 325 

filled with oeiitleinen of the hiohest reputation foj- 
nbility, leaniinj:; and science. These sectarian colleges 
may then be auxiliary to the State University. After 
g-raduating- in thetn the students who are able and de- 
sirous of a more extended education will have an op- 
j>oitunity of continuing their studies in the South Caro- 
lina University. 

Now, young- gentlemen, as you are about entering on 
the great theatre of busy life, and I am passing off the 
stage of existence, I hope you will not take amiss a few 
words of counsel and advice from an old man who feels 
an interest in your prosperity, happiness and success in 
life. I am a plain, practical man, and have no powers 
of rhetoric or eloquence to please and amuse you with 
to-day. But I have some wholesome words to say, 
which, if you will treasuie up in your memories, may be 
of some service to you. 

And first, I would impress on your minds that if you 
expect to succeed in your various pursuits, you must be 
industrious, moral, studious and honorable. Honor in- 
cludes religion, patriotism and all che Christian virtues. 
It is not enough for you to be honorablein all your con- 
duct, but you should discountenance all dishonor in 
others, by refusing their intimacy and association. He 
who keeps vicious company is, as we lawyers say, ac- 
cessory to vice, after the fact. The Spanish proverb, 
"tell me who your associates are and I will tell you who 
you ai"e," should be truer than it is at the present day. 
Men guilty of the most dishonorable conduct are too 
often tolerated in good society. If such men were put 
in Coventry by their companions, and refused all asso- 
ciaticn, they might l:)e checked in their dishonorable 
courses. But whilst a man may lie, cheat, defraud and 
dishonor his State, and demoialize society, and yet be 
countenanced by the virtuous and good, there is no in- 
ducement for his reformation. Theold Spanish proverb 
becomes a palpable falsehood. 



-i2() Address. 

1 have said that yon must be tstudious if you expect 
to siu-ceed in yoiii- profession. "There is no royal road 
to learning;/' said Aristotle to his pupil, Alexander the 
Great. Genins, however brilliant, will not supersede the 
labor and <liudaery of studyin<i. Yon must be indns- 
trious as well as studions. Labor was always honoia- 
ble, and now it is a necessity with the Southern people. 
By the sweat of our bi-ows we are to live, says the Scri|)- 
tuie. If idleness is not the root of all evil, it certainly 
inins thousands. Thei-e is <;reat truth in the .saying 
that "idleness is the devil's workshop."' 

Without perseverance you never can succeed, even 
with industry and studious habits. Never despair, and 
never chanjie your plans, because you have not done as 
well as yon expected. One of the most eminent lawyers 
and judiies in South Garolina, and one who ultimately 
had the lar<>est ])ractice ever enjoyed by a member of 
the South Carolina Bar, was ten years in his profession 
without doing much. 

The manners of a, young gentleman have much to do 
with his succeeding in life. I do not allude to polished 
and couitly manners, but to warm and cordial man- 
ners. They are mesnieric, and have won many a heart 
and opene(J the road to friendship and populaiity. I 
would have you polite, at all times, to all persons. You 
can be civil and polite'to a. mean man without becoming 
his associate or companion. I once heard a distin- 
guished Judge say, on the Bench, that "politeness was 
the ch(^a])est commodity anyone couid use to gain the 
good will of his fellow men." 

Fiiinness is a great vii-tue, and you should cultivate 
it, early in life. It often ])revents a man fi'om being- 
swerved from duty and honor. Indeed, without tirm- 
ness theie is no security in your moial rectitude. 
Thousands have been led astray for the want of it. I 
have known many good men, in political life, go against 



Adduess. 827 

their convictions and principles, becanse tlipv had not 
the firmness to resist popular clamor. 

St. Paul says: "If it be possible, as much as lietli in 
you, live peaceably with all men.'" Be not too hasty to 
resent an insult, or redress an injury. Most young men, 
have this failing, and it is a very grievous one. Re- 
member that a man can only disgrace himself. You 
may be reviled and slandered ; but time, and your own 
good conduct, will set you right in public opinion. 

There is one viee of youth which I would most 
solemnly warn and adjure you against if you expect 
happiness in this world or the life to come. It is one 
uufoi-tunately to which the genial, generous and highly 
gifted seem most subjected. Its path is str-ewed with 
skeletons, the blasted hopes of genius and virtue, 
stained with blood and pointed with crime, misei'y and 
wretchedness. I allude to intemperance. Young men 
require no stimulant except what youth and virtuous 
ambition give. Spirits may be, as it has been said to 
be, the " milk of old age." But it is the bane, the deadly 
poison of youth and early maidiood. Taste not, touch 
not the seductive draught in youth, and you will never 
contract the habit of intoxication in old age. 

My advice to you is, to stick to your country and 
never leave the Old Palmetto State. Remain whereyou 
were born and brought up. Cherish the homes of 3'oui' 
ancestors. There is an instinct of human nature which 
nmkes us all love the land of our birth, and the scenes 
of our childhood. No matter how far we may wander, 
or how long we may be absent, the heart always yearns 
for its native home. The man who is constantly mov- 
ing loses his local attachment, and in some measure, his 
love of country. 

In regard to the most important event in your lives, 
I will tell what others have said. Dr. Franklin's advice 
to a young man was, to mari-y his neighbor's daughter. 
I once told this to a young lady, and she shrewdly re- 



328 Address. 

marked that it would be well first to know who .your 
neighbor was. I siiji-jxested it was of more importanee 
to know what sort of person his dan<;iiter was. Frank- 
lin was a very wise, practical man, and his object in ^iv- 
i no- this advice, was to impress on your minds tlie im- 
portance of knowinii; well whom you were ,2:;oin_2,' to 
marry. 

Franklin likewise advocated early marriages, as they 
were more likely to "ive you an opportunity of livinji,- to 
see yourchildren educated and settled in life. But there 
is another consideration to be looked to in early mar- 
riages. You must first be well satisfied of your ability 
to support your wife. The want of this prudence and 
forethought has entailed untold misery on many a, lov- 
ing couple. If 1 were addressing' the youni>: ladies, 1 
would advise them never to marry a younii' man till his 
character was formed, and his rr-pntatiou established. 
Bhe would then know what sort of a, husband she was 
likely to have. 

Governor Ha-yne, one of South Carolina's most emi- 
nent sons, and called by one of his cotempoi-aries ''the 
Prince of common vsense," once said to me, that "the 
two first requisites in the choice of a. wife, were 
good henlth mxl f>,ood tein})er." I would add two 
others equally essential, good sense nnd n good 
t'nmily. If she should ha})p(Mi to be beautiful and rich, 
1 would advise you to make no objections on that score, 
provided she had good health, good tempcM-, gf)od sense, 
and was of a good family. 

By a good family, I do not mean a distinguished 
family, but moral, industrious and honorable faniily. 
It is a little lemarkable that so much attention is paid 
to the blood and pedigree of horses, and none to that 
of the human family. A good father and mother are as 
apt to have a good son or daughter, as a blooded racer 
is to ])roduce his kind. 

A young Grecian once asked Solon, the great philoso- 



Address. 329 

pher of antiquity and law-oiver of Atliens, " whether it 
way bettei- to live siniile or get inai-riKl." The old sage 
replied, "do which yon may and you will repent it be- 
fore you die." But it must be borne in mind that Solon 
was nevei- mariied, or he would not probably havegiven 
this advice. He had a right to speak for the old bach- 
elors, but not for the married men. Marriage is the 
natural state of man and woman and contributes more 
to their happiness than anything else. Celibacy is an 
unnatural state of isolation from the nearest and dear- 
est connections of life. Sociates, another ancient phil- 
osopher of equal or greater distinction than Solon, was 
so much pleased with wedded life, though married to a 
terrible virago, that he took a second wife under a tem- 
porary law of Athens. And it is said that on some 
occasion these wives, two sovereigns in one domain, 
i;ame to blows. The old philosopher laughed heartily 
at their pugilism, which turned their anger from each 
other to their husband, and thereupon they both fell on 
him and gave the old fellow a sound beating. 

I cannot conclude my address to-day, young gentle- 
meu, without congratulating you on the restoration of 
South Carolina to self-government. In the language of 
an Irish orator, she now "stands redeemed, regenerated 
and disenthralled," after the most infamous oppression 
ever inflicted on a proud, high-minded, brave and hon- 
orable people. And what adds to the deep damnation 
of this infamy is that some of her own native born sons 
assisted in the unnatural dishonoring of their mothei\ 
God may forgive them, but their country never can, 
whilst moral treason is abhorred and dishonor spurned 
by a virtuous and patriotic people. 

It is well for you, gentlemen, that you will enter pub- 
lic life after this black, unnatural horror has passed 
over your beloved State, and the political horizon is 
bright and clear. I thank the Almighty in the honest 
sincerity of my heart, that I have lived to see it over. 



330 Address. 

a,nd that when I die, I shall have the consolation of 
knowing that my native State is once more under the 
government of her honored and honorable sons. 

Two years ago there seemed to be a weird charm in 
the name of Hampton, which exorcised the political 
devils in power of all their (tunning and courage. It 
made them arrant cowards, all ; and they could see in 
every Democratic meeting which took place, from the 
seaside to the mountains, the spectre of Hampton's Old 
Legion preparing for death's charge on their rascality 
and roguery. At the commencement of the canjpaign 1 
did not suppose there was a ghost of a chance for our 
success. But there was an over-rulingProvidence which 
decreed our victory, and to oui' Almighty God, and not 
to man, be the praise of our delivei-ance. 

Young: gentlemen of the literary societies of Furnmn 
University, I tender you my thanks for this day's 
honor, and bid you an affectionate farewell. 

B. F. Perky. 






ii-:H<*:*:^H-:-?:':#:#^:^:'^:#'^^^ 



LETTERS 

Worthy of preservation, that generations to come may know how J usiij' 
appreciated Governor Perry was, after all the persecution and trials 
he had endured for conscience and principle. South Carolinians 
have nobly made amends for their former distrust of him whose 
whole life was devoted to the best interests of South Carolina, and 
his last days were made happy by the consciousness of this appre- 
ciation: 



Charleston, S. C, February 7, 1889. 

Deau Mrs. Perry: I appreciate most hip:hly your 
very considerate attention in sending to Mrs. Courtenay 
and myself a, printed copy of The Tribute to my late es- 
teemed friend, Governor Perry. 

I need not assure you, how grateful I am for this evi- 
dence of your friendly interest. I knew your husband 
previous to the wa.r and saw more of him subsequent to 
its close. 

The value of his life to the State, was, thathe had a 
balanced mind, resting on sincerity of character. In 
all public matters he was ever ready to announce his 
opinion, and give his reasons, eloquently and forcibly 
in their defense. 

Our State would have been better off in all these past 
years of two generations, if our public men had been as 
independent in thought and free in opinion as he whom 
you so properly and so worthily commemorate. 

I shall preserve this volume and often refer to it, to 
recall memories of the past, and to be reminded of his 
merit and worth. With the assurance of my undimin- 
ished respect for him "gone before," and the wish that 
all good things may be yours in the sunset of your long- 
life, I am, very truly, 

William A. Courtenay. ' 



332 Letters. 

(Jarolina Savings Bank. 

Charleston, S. C, Fehrimry 14, 1889. 
My Dear Mrs. Perry: On rnyrfturii tothecity, I find 
to my address tlie very interesting Tribute to your ven- 
erated husband, ex-Governor Benjamin F. Pen-y. Re- 
ino'an ardent admirer of (loveinor Perry, I have read 
all that has been said of him with more than ordinary 
interest. Your noble husband prefeii-ed being right to 
being l*resident of the United States. If our people 
after thji war, had accepted the {situation as he did, it 
would have better foi' us all. 

With best wishes and many thanks for your thought- 
ful remembrance, 1 remain, 

Yours very truly, 

George W. Williams. 

Chester, S. C, March 1, 1889. 
Mrs. B. F. Perry. 

Dear Madam: On yesterday I received by your favor 
through the mail, a copy of the book entitled : Tribute 
to Benjamin Franklin Perry, &c. 

The several parts, taken separately, are some only of 
the many spiings of genuine reveren(;e prevailing every- 
where in the State, for the memory of your liusba.nd, 
who, in every position in his long and varied ex[jerience 
uniforndy exhibited the character of a man of honest 
and independent thouglit, of true devotion to his State, 
and of courage in announcing and enforcing his views 
that was unwavering and .sublime. 

The Tribute binds these springs and rills into a stream 
— a full volume of appreciation. In giving this collec- 
tion to your friends you do honor to youi'self, both as 
a true and hjya.l wife, and as having reached in your 
sphere the same heights occupied by your distinguished 
husband. Happy are you to have had such a husband. 
Thrice happy are you to be able to appreciate his worth 
and to have so many garlands to strew upon his grave. 



Letters. ;i38 

The presentation of this volume by .you does iiie in 
finite honor. The jy;ift (as I interpret it), expresses your 
behef in my capacity to appreciate the exalted wortli 
of him whose memory you revere, and the history of 
whose life now is the property of the State. 

Many months since Ireceived also a copy of the In 
Memoriam,&c.,from you, and thoughtlessly omitted to 
acknowledge its reception till I was ashamed to do so. 
I have never ceased to reproach myself for the neglect, 
and now make such amends as I may by asking your 
pardon for the neglect, and thanking you xevy kindly 
for both volumes. 

With profoundest respect, I remain. 

Yours truly, 

Giles J. Patterson. 



White Horse, S. 0., Miirch 17, 1S89. 
My Dear Madam: Mrs. Ewbank joins me in thanking 
you for your kind thoughtfulness in trending The 
Tribute to your late distinguished husband. 

In the light of the present it is simply impossible t(j 
withhold profound appreciation of a statesman whose 
forecast shone so conspicuously at a time when the 
large majority of politicians was committed to views so 
irreconcilably antagonistic to his. Suiely here is a 
notable instance of the inestimable value of intelligent 
conviction combined with and dominated by unflinch- 
ing moral courage. 

Mrs. Ewbank and family desire to unite with me in 
very kind regards. 

Yours my dear Madam, 

Respectfully, trul}', 

Henry Ewbanks. 



Cheraw, S. C, March 23, 1889. 
My Dear Mrs. Perry: Your letter of the 15th was 
received by me only day before yesterday. I was ab- 



'iM Letters. 

sent from home when it came, and as is o'enerally the 
(;ase, I found an accumidation of work on hand, whirh 
kept me on the "o da,y and nii>ht for the first forty- 
ei<»ht lionrs after my return home. Hence, my delay in 
respondino' to your letter. Mrs. McNair did her duty 
and delivered safely the f)a(;ka,i!:e you entrusted to her. 
You have my thanks for what you sent me. At 
the next meetino- of the Lyceum, which will he in the 
course of a week or ten days, you will receive a note of 
thanks for the donation. 

I do wish, my dear Mrs. Perry, that you could look 
into the libi-ary I'oom of the Cheraw Lyceum and see 
the conspicuous place occupied by the very handsome 
and life-like pictureof Govei-nor Peri'y, which you kindly 
presented to the Lyceum. As you enter the door the 
picture is the first object that greets your eyes. Every- 
one admires it, and none admii'e the picture more than 
they do the original. I know not how often I have 
heard the remark made: "You could not have the 
picture of anyone in your hall more worthy of being- 
honored than Governor B. F. Perry." He was truly 
one of nature's noblemen, and will be remembered when 
thousands once thought great ai-e forgotten. 

It would afford me genuine pleasure to meet you, and 
if I should visit Greenville, I will surely do myself the 
pleasure of calling- on you, and hope the time may come 
when we may see you in Chei-aw. You would find many 
here who would delight to do you honor, not onl^- for 
your own sake, but as the wife of that noblest of men, 
Benjamin F. Perry. 

Now my good friend, may God ever bless and protect 
you anil yours, is the prayer of 

Your faithful friend, 

Cornelius Kollock. 



Columbia, S. C, Miirch 23, 1889. 
Mus. B. F. Pekky, Greenville, S. C. 
My Dkak Madam: I have the honor of receiving this 



Letters. 335 

day from your hands a copy of Tribute to ex-Governor 
Perry, your lamented husband. 

Please ac(.-e[)t my sincere thanks for this remembrance 
of the grandest figure in Southern politics; of the Seer, 
who, like Calhoun, foretold the Illiad of woes into which 
his beloved section was I'ushing, but greater than the 
greatest of them all, he threw his majestic form and 
transcendent talents into the breach, and did his 
utmost to save by preventing. That his stentorian 
voice, which was heard above the whirlwind of contro- 
versy did not stem the current of events disastrous to 
the South, and particularly- to South Carolina, we can 
now only say ''more's the pity," and admire the depth 
of moral courage, which must have been necessary to 
make it possible for him to withstand the whelming 
tide of public clamor. 

Majestic, giand, without a superior and few equals, 
his memory will stand like a, monolith, to succeeding 
generations, of robust integrity, and that high quality 
of prescience, which places him with the prophets of old. 

With much respect, I am, dear Madam, 

Sincerely yours, 

R. S. Desportes. 



Georgetown, S. C, April 18, 1889. 
Mrs. B. F. Perry, Greenville, S. C. 

Dear Madam : Please accept my thanks for The 
Tribute to Benjamin Fi-anklin Perry, ex-Governor of 
South Carolina, which you have kindly sent to me. 

I first met Governor Perry in the year 1850, and from 
that time until about 1869, I frequently met him in 
Columbia. Differing with him frequently in his political 
views, there was no man in the councils of our State for 
whom I entertained a higher personal regard. The can- 
dor with which he always expressed his opinions, the in- 
domitable firnmess with which he always adhered to 
his convictions, and the bold and straightforward way 



336 Letters. 

in which he always maintained his views in the face of 
lai-*ie majorities against him, marked him as a states- 
man above reproaeh. and a citizen to be admired by all. 
The memory of snch a man, disting'uished alike for pri- 
vate and public virtue, should be kept g'l-een for the 
benefit of those who come after him. 

Aiiain rhaid<in,i!, you for you kind attention. I beo- to 
^ubsciibe myself. 

Yours with esteem, 

R. DOZFEK. 

SoNDLEYS, S. C. April lis, 1889. 
Mrs. W. V Terry. Scins Soiici. S. (\ 

De.ar Mad.\m: Pernnt me to acknowled,<;e with sin- 
cer^> thanks a copy of The Tribute to your lamented 
and illustiious hnsl)and. I have read its pa«j!,es with 
|>leasure. and have cauiiht a. "limpse of the character of 
one of South Carolina's noblest sons, who has done 
honor to his State. It must, indeed, have been a source 
of joy to him in hi.s decliinniz,- years, while refiecting' on 
the eventful period when he became a mnrtyr in the 
<-ause of trntii and conscience, to be able to see his own 
pi-ophesy vindicated. Solitnry ami alont\ battlino- for 
convictions born of deep solicitude for the welfare of his 
State, (lONernoi- IViry presents a picture in her history 
that must command the admiration of posterity. 

Many of us of the Nounoer ot^iiPiation wei-e personally 
unacquainted with him. But those who love all that is 
}iood and iireat. especially when endeared by the ties of 
State citizenshij), learn of his jiatriotic laboi's with pride 
and affection. But even more than the power of his in- 
lellect, we can admire X\\i\X iirentuess of soul, which dis- 
re>»'arde(l ,•/// political honuiv and enioliiinents, and found 
happiness in the dis('hari;e of coiiscioiis duty. 

.\cce])t, dear Madam, my hioh ajipreciation of your 
labor-, and my best wishes for your happiness. 

Most respectfully, 

Joseph L. Keith. 



Letters. 337 

Anniston, AhA., April, 29,1889. 
My Dear Madam: Allow me to thank you for the three 
valuable and interesting; volumes just received at your 
hands. The memorial volume to your lamented hus- 
band is a monument to your devotion, fidelity and love, 
greater far than can ever be erected in polished marble 
or shining brass. There is no greater proof of your ex- 
alted nobility of character than is thus afforded by 
your simpleand modest Tribute to the precious memory 
of your illustrious husband. After reading your book^ 
and observing the numerous and manifold evidences of 
your devotion, we cannot help concluding that 



"No braver dames had Sparta, 
No nobler matrons, Rome!" 



Thanking you again for your kindness, and assuring 
you of my keen appreciation of the Reminicences and 
Sketches of Governor Perry, I am, dear Madam, with 
profound respect, 

Your humble and obedient servant, 

Jefferson C. Davis. 



Cabinet of rhe Rhode Island Historical Society. 

Providence, R. T., Ma,j 2, 1889. 
Mrs. B. F. Perry. 

Dear Cousin and Madam: These volumes will be an 
enduring monument of your noble qualities of mind and 
heart, as well as those of your lamented husband. Be 
assured your gift will be appreciated by the members of 
this society. The introduction to the Sketches, by Sena- 
tor Hampton, is admirably expressed. I am proud to 
have these works in our library. Your husband was 
rightly named Benjamin Franklin. He made the name 
honored and respected in his generation. It is a pleas- 
ure and an inspiration to read his writings. With sen- 



338 Letters. 

timents of respect and honor to yourself, and kind re- 
gards to your dauohter, Mrs. Beattie, I remain, 

Truly yours, 

Amos Perry, 

Librarian. 



Laurens, S. C, May 2, 1889. 

Mrs. B. F. Perry, Greenville, S. C. 

Dear Madam: Permit me to thank you for The 
Tribute to Governor Perry, which you were kind enough 
to send me a few days ago. Surely the love amounting 
almost to adoration, which this and other papers given 
to the world by you in memoriam of your deceased hus- 
band have evinced, could only be inspired by the noblest 
of his race, and will be a monument to the purity and 
nobility of that tv\\]y great man more enduring than 
marble or brass. 

I was not in accord politically with Governor Perry 
in ante bellum days, but the bold, manly independence 
of the man and his utter disregard of the fact as to 
whether his opinions were in accoi'd with the majority 
or whether he stood alone, challenged my admiration, 
and as I now look back upon the many utterances of 
Governor Perry in those days, in the forum, on the 
stump, and through the public press, they seem little 
less than prophetic. 

I shall carefully preserve The Tribute, and shall point 
my sons to Governor Perry as the "noblest Roman of 
them all." 

Your obedient servant, 

N. S. Harris. 



Letters. 339 

Columbia, S. C, May 6, 1889. 
Mrs. B. F. IPerry Satis Souci, S. C. 

Dear Madam : I beg to hand you the enclosed letters, which you of 
all persons know best how to prize, for they speak of him to whom you 
were all things while he lived, to whose memory you have consecrated 
your remaining years, he being "dead yet alive." 

Yours truly, 

Andrew Crawford. 

State of South Ciirolinrt, Executive Department. \ 
Office of State Superintendent of Education, j 

Columbia, S. C. May 6, 1889. 
Hon. Anhrew Crawford. 

Dear Sir: Do say to Mrs. Perry for nie how much 1 
value the '' In Menioi-iani." It is a fitting tribute in the 
most proper way to a man cast physically, mentally 
and morally in a great mould. Long yeaT-sago a 3'oung 
and beautiful maiden gave her love and her life to Gov- 
ernor Perry. He died, but she living has illustrated 
and adorned the purest and highest devotion. His 
name and virtues have been widely commemorated and 
with his fame is inextricably interwoven the devotion of 
his amiable and accomplished biographer. 

Very truly yours, 

James H. Rice. 



St.-ito Library. 

Columbia, S. C, April 29, 1889. 
Judge Andrew Crawford, Columbia, S. C. 

Dear Sir: Permit me personally and in my official 
capacity, as State Librarian, to tender to Mrs. Gov- 
ernor B. F. Perry, through you. my grateful acknow- 
ledgements for the In Memoriam volume of her illus- 
trious husband. It shall find a conspicuous place upon 
the shelves of the institution over which I have the 
honor to preside. 

So rich in distinguished men South Carolina well may 
proudly claim Benjamin Franklin Perry as one of her 



340 Letters. 

grandest and noblest sons. One whose lofty viitues, 
whose high moral courage the present and future 
jouth of the State will do well to emulate. 

Very truly and respectfully yours. 

H. Clay Richardson. 

State Libra rhiii. 



^ Jt 



i^ 



ADDRESS OF HON. B. F. PERRY. 

BEFORE THE 

Philophrenian Society of Walhalla Female College. 

Oconee County, South Carolina. 



DELIVERED JUNE 24, 1879. 

Young Ladies of the Philophrenian 

Society of WitlhaJhi Female College: 

I-JV was with great reluctance, in consequence of my 
I age and infirmities, that I consented to address 
you on this interesting occasion — the anniversary of 
your society and the coujmencement of your college. In 
my acceptance of the honor you conferred on me, I 
stated that it was hard for an old gentleman to refuse 
the request of young ladies, and especially the request 
of the young ladies of his own native county. Oconee 
is "my own, my native land," and her people, her 
mountains, her rivers, her magnificeni scenery and her 
charming climate are all endeared to me, as my birth 
place, with a thousand reminiscences of home, my child- 
hood, and the graves of my parents and kindred. 

T congratulate you, 3'oung ladies, and the countrj' on 
the endowment and organization of this your Alma 
Mater in the delightful town of Walhalla (which in 
Northern mythology signifies an ''earthly Paradise'') 
and is surpassed by no town, village or city in the State 
for its beautiful location, health, climate and grand 
scenery. This prosperous college, with its corps of able 
and learned ynofessors, cheapness of board and tuition, 
is destined to attract young ladies from abroad and 
shed its elevating and benign influence over the whole 
community, in all time to come. 

The Newberry" College, for the education of young 



842 Address. 

men, was located here for several years and aftei-vvards 
succeeded for the same purpose by the Aduei- Colleoe. 
But DO piovisioD, during all this time, was made for the 
education of young,' ladies in the higher branches of 
learning and science. T have always thoughtthe educa- 
tion of the female sex was as important as that of the 
other sex. Motheis have the training and bringing up 
of their sons in childhood and from her they first learn 
principles of virtue, religion, honor, good mannei-s and 
a love of learning. Education improves and elevates 
the mother's character, adds to her pleasures, refine- 
ment and happiness, and makes hei- moie competent to 
i)ring up her sons and daughtersand inspiretlieir youug 
minds with correct piinciples. John Randol])h, of 
Roanoke, one of America's most brilliant sons, tliough 
eccentric, said in after life that- he would have been aeon- 
firmed infidel, but for the remembrance of his mother's 
taking his little hands in hers and making him repeat 
the Loid's Prayer every night, before going to bed. 
Such was the permanent influence of an educated and 
refined Christian lady, over the tendei- heart of her little 
son, desrined to make such a figuie in the world as he 
did. 

Thirty years ago, I rode all through the counties of 
Oconee. Pickens, Andf^'rson, Abbeville and Gieeuville, 
taking the testimony of vei-y aged witnesses in a gieat 
law-suit then pending in the city of Mobile, involving- 
several hundred thousand dollar's and the legitimacy of 
a highly respectable family of young ladies. The 
witnesses, who ap[)eared before me, were mostly born 
before or during the revolutionary war. I was greatly 
surprised, and not a little shocked, to find that almost 
all of the old ladies examined, were unable to write their 
names, and had to make their nmrks to their deposi- 
tions! They were in good circumstances and mothers 
of protninent men in their counties. 

But great |)i'ogress and itnpi-ovement have been made 



Address. 343 

in this respect, as well as in everythinj^- else, (iurinjj,- the 
present century, and especially within the last forty or 
fifty years, in the upper part of South Carolina. The 
girls have all been tau«>ht no matter how poor they 
vvei-e, to read and write and cipher, through the bounty 
of the State. Most of those in o-ood circumstances have 
latterly been sent to high female schools and colleges. 
This education of the female sex is the highest- test of 
the civilization an(J refinement of a community. 

Amongst, uncivilized and savage people, the women 
ai-e mere drudges and beasts of burden ! They have all 
the hard laV)or to perform, whilst their brutal masters 
go "on the war path," huntinji' wild game or lying in 
their huts smoking their pipes or feasting on the game 
brought home and (cooked b\' the women ! In demi- 
civilized nations, such as Persia, and Turkey, the female 
sex are brought up in utter ignorance, the mere toys 
and playthings of the men, taught only to dress and 
adorn their persons to please their lords, and live an 
idle, unthinking life. In Mohammedan countries, it is 
doubted whether they have immortal souls, and the 
Koran, their Bible, makes no provision for them in 
Paradise. Their places are supplied in another world 
by "black-eyed houris," who are supposed to fill the 
Mohammedan heaven! 

Christianity and modern civilization alone havegiven 
woman her proper status in society. It is true, that in 
Grecian and Roman history, we read of many noble 
women, and some of them highly educated. But as a 
general rule .wives were the veiiest slaves of their hus- 
bands. In early times husbands had the power of life 
and death over theni, as well as their children! The 
most illustrious Grecians and Romans were in the habit 
of divorcing their wives, and the mothers of their chil- 
dren, without alleging any cause except that they weie 
tired of them, and wished another wife! Cicero did this, 
and his divorced wife boasted that she had been mar- 



344 Address- 

lied to three of the most illustrious Rouiaus, who were 
all three living. The leudino- of a wife to a friend, for a 
few years, v\as no uncommon circumstance with the 
Romans! The Grecians did woise and winked at a 
community of wives! Plato, the *2,reat philosopher and 
moralist, advocated in his ideal Republic, that wives 
should be in common with all citizens! Cato, the 
younger, great grandson of Cato the Censor, lent his 
wife to his friend Hortentius, without consulting her, 
for the purpose of raiding children to him, and stiength- 
ening the bonds of friendship between these two illustri- 
ous Romans! 

Can anything show a more utter degraded state of 
woman than these infamous historical facts! It must 
be borne in mind, too, that the Grecians aud Romans, 
at these peri(Kls were the most erdightened nations of 
the earth. The one surpassed in eloquence, sculpture, 
{)ainting and all the aesthetic ai-ts and literature every 
people which had or ha ve since existed on the face of the 
earth. The other were the conquerors of the world, dis- 
tinguished for their patriotism anrl Roman virtues, 
enacting and (compiling codes of laws, which, after the 
lapse of two thousand years, still govern the greater 
part of Europe, and have even improved the laws of 
England and America. How much, oh, how much, is 
woman indebted to Christianity and modern civilizfi- 
tion ! 

The wives of the Greciaus and Romans were i-arely 
considered and tieated as compniiions, with whom to 
counsel and advise. There were some exceptions. Aspa- 
sia., after being the mistress of Pericles, became his wife, 
and was his mentor and counselor on all great occa- 
sions. She wrote some of his most eloquent orations. 
Socrates, Xenophon, Alcibiades and many other illus- 
trious Grecians, sought her counsel and advice and 
delighted in her conversation. 

Education enlarges the human mind, enlightens the 



Address. 345 

understanding-, elevates our feeling's and brings new 
sources of pleasure and happiness. It makes us better, 
more virtuous, more honorable, more patriotic and 
more religious, loving God and all his creation with 
more affection and more sinceiity. The highly culti- 
vated mind has innumerable sources of pleasure and 
enjoyment, which are unknown to the ignorant and 
uncultivated. For instance, the study of astronomy 
opens tvj the mind interesting, grand and sublime pleas- 
ures for thought and reflection. The ancients believed 
that this earth stood in the middle of the world and the 
sun and stars revolved around it! The untutored mind 
still believesthis theory. But science teaches us that the 
eaith turns over eveiy twenty-four hours and runs 
round the sun once every year; that the sun is several 
hundred thousand times larger than the earth; that 
every fixed star is a sun, like ours, and some of them 
much largei-, illuminating other worlds like this, and in 
all probability inhabited by God's living creatures! 

By mathematical calculation we are taught the exact 
<listanc.e of the sun, moon, planets and fixed stars from 
the earth. We learn from science the nature and sub- 
stance of all these planets, suns and stars; the cause of 
the convulsions of the earth and atujosphere, the torna- 
does, earthquakes, forked lightning and "the thunders 
of heaven's aj'tilleiy." Is there any one, above the de- 
gree of an idiot, who would not feel a pleasure in know- 
ing and investigating these wonders of the great uni- 
verse ! 

The study of history, too, unfolds to us the condition 
and action of past ages for six thousand years, and the 
innumerable nations and peoples who have inhabited 
the earth, the great men who have lived on it, the pro- 
gress of the human mind, the wonderful inventions and 
<liscoveries which genius has made. We see in history 
how ignorant and bad the woild has been, how enlight- 
ened some of the nations of the earth became, and how 



346 Address. 

powerful thev were, and how thej relapsed again into 
ignorance and barbarism. 

I pity, from the bottom of my heart, the man or wo- 
man who feels no interest in learning and has no taste 
for reading or study. Such persons are apt to seek 
vicious pleasures and amusements. The man goes to 
the grog-shop or gambling table to kill time and drive 
away dull care. The woman goes to shows, balls, the 
theatre, or gads about and gossips of her neighbors. 

Education is, properly speaking, three-fold— i«t9//eei- 
Uii], inornl iiud physicnl—aW equally necessary to make 
a fine woman. The culture of the intellect alone will 
not suffice. No matter how much learning a woman 
may have, if she is wanting in the cultivation of her 
heart and moi-al princif)Ie, she can nevergain the esteem 
and affection of modern society. And the culture of the 
brain and heart, without physical culture, very often 
makes life a burden of ill health and misery. The body 
should be strengthened and developed as well as the 
mind and heart. Exercise (walking, riding on horse- 
back and work in the open air) is the only way this can 
be done and health secured. In fashionable and refined 
society this is greatly neglected by American ladies, and 
dearly do they pay for it. Parents and teachers should 
es})ecially attend to this three-fold education, each 
equally important in the future destiny of their daugh- 
ters and pupils. 

English ladies are moi-e prudent in this respect. Cole- 
man, the great agi'icultuii.st, who went to England as 
commissioner from Massachusetts, tells in his report on 
the agi-iculture of England, of a high born Duchess, who 
said to him: "Mr. Coleman, I will rake charge of you 
to-day, and show you the stock and farm." He says 
she walked with him that morning seven or eight miles. 
Had this Duchess been an ordinary American lady she 
would have ordered her cariiage and horses to make 
such an excursion. 

Moral-culture includes religion as well as morals, and 



Adduess. 34 1 

|Li,irls are easily trained to follow in its precepts. The 
female sex are more inclined to he reli<>ions than the 
male sex. They are more confiding-, more tender, purer 
and more loving. A man may be skeptical in his relig- 
ious views, but a woman rarely is. She has more faith 
and hope and love in her composition. Her wisdom is 
the instinct of the heart, whilst man's is from reason 
and reflection. 

As much as I prize female education, and admire high 
intellectual endowments, with great culture and learn- 
ing in a woman, I am nevertheless unwilling to see them 
pass out of their proper sj)here and invade the donmin 
of man, by becoming legislators, military commanders, 
lawyers, judges, doctors and ministers of the gospel. 
It has been my fortune to see some of these intellectual 
phenomena. At St. Louis I heard a female lawyer, Miss 
Phoebe Cousins, address the National Democratic Con- 
vention, composed of seven or eight hundred of the most 
distinguished men in America. She was goo(i looking:, 
young, and spoke well, but T could but think she had 
unsexed herself and would have done more credit to her 
talents and learning had she become the wife of some 
gentleman and the mother of a family of children. Sev- 
eral years since I met at the President's, in Washing- 
ton, the celebrated Doctor Mary Walker, who was a 
surgeon in the Union Army, and at one time captured 
by the Confederates. So far as dress was concerned, she 
had completely unsexed herself. She wore a nice Wue 
frock coat, buttoned close around the waist with a vest, 
pantaloons, boots and a jaunty cap on her head. She 
was \e\y handsome, and I su])posed, of course, that she 
was a. young gentleman. I thought to myself, what "a 
heart breaker" you will be amongst the ladies. Her 
ayjpearance and manners were so stiiking, that 1 
enquired " who that gentleman was?" 

In my judgment, the Almighty created everything for 
a purpose. He cieated man for one purpose and woman 



348 Address. 

for another, and oave them different properties aitd 
qualities, suitable to the purposes for which he created 
theni. He ^ave the man strength and coura«;e, and to 
the woman he <>:a\'e grace, modesty, timidity and phys- 
ical weakness. The man was to provide for and defend 
the woman. She on her part was to depend on him and 
confide in him. He was to till the earth and support 
his wife and household, carry on business and cora- 
mei'ce, go to war, make useful inventions in all the me- 
chanic arts and sciences. She was to nurse the children, 
superintend her household affairs, make home pleasant 
and agreeable and enjoy herself in ease and quiet. The 
power and control of the one lay in his strength, coui-- 
age, form, endurance and intellectual ability. The 
power and influence of the other consisted in her mod- 
esty, grace, beauty and loveliness. Even her physical 
weakness is a, potent agent in influencing man. He was 
formed with muscles and sinews for the rough and 
tumble of life. She shrinks from the rude touch of the 
world. 

Milton, the prince of English poets, beautifully de- 
scribes the secret of woman's influence over man in 
Adam's description of Eve to the Angel in the garden of 
Eden. He says: 

"Yet when I ajjproach 
Her loveliness, so absolute she seems, 
And in herself eomplet'*, so well to know 
Her own, that what she wills to do or say, 
Seems wisest, virtu ousest, discreetest, best. 
All higher knowledge in her presence falls 
Degraded. » » » 
Authority and reason on her wait." 

The modern advocates of "woman's rights," as they 
are absurdly termed, are endeavoring to pervert the 
laws of nature and change the purposes of God in his 
creation of man and woman. The modesty and timid- 
ity of woman forbids her going into battle and living in 
the tented fields. If she desired to do so, her verv weak- 



Address. 840 

lu'ss and t'ia«iile form wcnild prevent lipr. The rearing 
of her children and honssehold duties would lender sucli 
a thiiio impossible. Nor is she more rompetent to en- 
gage direetly in the <>(ivprnment of her country. It is 
tiue she might engage most successfully in an election- 
eering canvass, as the beautiful an(l accomplished 
Duchess of Devonshire did in the cause of Charles .Jt^mes 
Fox. But how would a female legislator look seated in 
the Senate Chanibei' of the United States with a babv in 
her arms! or in a jury box nuising an infant to keep it 
quiet whilst the learned judge was charging the jury! 

Women's influence is best exercised on all occasions, 
public and private, by those loving charms and tender, 
winning ways, which nature has given her so bountifulT 
ly. In this way hiany a wife governs her husband and 
through him the politics of the country. The great 
Themistocles said that he governed Athens and his wife 
governed him. A great many husbands who govern 
and rule in modern times might say the same thing. A 
new England pedagogue once boasted that old Samuel 
Adams ruled Massachusetts, his wife ruled hiai, her lit- 
tle son ruled her, and he ruled the little son ; 'therefore," 
said he, 'T govern Massachusetts." 

I admit that there are many women superior intellec- 
tually to men. But as a general rule this is not the 
case, and it was not intended to be so by the Almighty, 
when he created man and woman. Morally. I do believe 
they are superior to man, and gieatly so. Physically, 
they are unquestionably inferior. And yet it does some- 
times happen that a women is stronger than man. But 
there are exceptions, intellectually and ])hysically, to 
the general rule. Madame de Stael was greatly su- 
perior to most of theiireat men who figured in the French 
Revolution. Sheonce asked Bonaparte who he thought 
was the jireatest woman in France. She wished and ex- 
pected him to say that she herself was the greatest wo- 
man in France. But Napoleon, who could conqufM- 



*]50 Address. 

kinocioiiis and empires and divide them out amonost 
his brothers and sisters, and kindred, as a Carolina 
planter formerly did liis slaves and lands between his 
children, had none of the feelinjis and instincts of a gen- 
tleman or theconitesy of a hif>h-born chevalier, and he 
replied : "She. madame. who has boine the most sons to 
France!'' 

It is a most lamental)le fact that iiterai-j women have 
not been happy or foitnnate in their domestic lives. 
Madame De Stael was not, thouj^h twice married. Mad- 
ame Lewes, better known as "Geoige Eliot," the fireat- 
est of living- novelists and wi-iters of fiction, became the 
inistress of a married man ! Oeor^e Sand, a female wri- 
ter of distinguished ability in France, did worse. Lad}' 
Bulwer separated from her husband! Mrs. Jameson, 
an able and pious writer, did the same. Fanny Fein 
was divorced and married again. Miss Kemble, Miss 
Florence Mairyat, ladies of high liteiary attainments, 
and many, very many others, equally distinguished in 
the paths of literature, were unhappy in their marriages 
and sei)arated from their husbands. Judge Butler was 
.once asked by a bus bleu how he would like to marry a 
literary -lady. He replied as readily as did Napoleon to 
Madame de Stael — "I would as soon thiidv of marrying 
a dictionaiy," was his answer. 

1 do not say these things, young ladies^to discourage 
you in your studies. Far be it from me to do so. But 
I do insist on your following the advice of the wise and 
good Fenelon, the purest and most eloquent of all the 
Koman Catholic Bishops in France. In his beautiful 
essay on "The Education of Girls," he says: ''Let your 
education be such as tends to prepare you forthe duties 
of life, and the condition and place where you are to 
pass youi- life. If a girl is to live in the country, her 
mind should be formed for the pleasures of the coun- 

t'T" 

In all piobability marriage will be the destiny of all 



Address. 351 

of you. It is the natural state of man and woman and 
was so intended by the Almiohty in his creation of the 
vvorhl. A friend of mine, who v as addressing; an accom- 
plished younj? lady whom he afterwards mari-ied, told 
me that his brother's wife asked him durinjr his court- 
ship how he was s>:ettin<i- on. He replied that he did not 
think the youno- lady wished to get married at all. His 
sister-in-law said "she may not wish to marry you, but 
I never 3'et saw a young giil who did not wish to marry, 
provided a suitable offer was made." This was the 
opinion of a very sensible married lady who had seen 
and known a good deal of the world. 

But my advice to you, young ladies, is, not to get 
mariied before you are twenty-one years old, and never 
marry a young man till his character is wellfornied and 
established. You are not capable before you are twenty- 
one years old of taking charge of a family and mana- 
ging prudently and satisfactorily your household. The 
cares and responsibilities of a married life a re very great, 
too great for a miss in her teens to assume. Before a 
young man's charactei- is well formed and established 
in life yon can never tell what he will be. He may be a 
very steady, piomising fellow at twenty-two or three 
and turn out a drunkard — an idle loafer or spendthrift. 
Re not in a hurry to marry any one. Love at first sight 
is a dangerous thing and you may repent it all your 
life. 

Hasty weddings, vvheie the paities are not well ac- 
(]uainted with each t)ther, are very apt to produce dis- 
appointments, which lead to quariels and separation. 
A great many divorces-are caused in this way— incom- 
patibility- of tem})er and manners and enjoyinents. In 
Prussia there were three thousand divorces granted in 
one year, and jierhaps as many in the United States. 
In the New England States it has been ascertained that 
there is one divorce in every thirteen marriages, besides 
many other separations of mail and wife who are not 



352 Addhess. 

divorcf'd. It is 8ai<i, in Cliifaj2,o, that an acqnaintance 
of a niai-iied lad,v nevei- know.s by what nameto address 
her after being absent fioni the city five or six months. 
In that time she may have been divorced and married 
aoain! To the honor of the Roman Catholic Chnrch 
and Catholic conntries, divorces aie not allowed. In 
South Carolina for three hundred years, and until the 
State fell undei- infamous Radical rule, uo divorce was 
ever j2,ranted. And to tlie hcjiioi' of oui- last Legislature 
the act allowing- divorces was re]»ealed. 

There is a class of young- gentlemen I would caution 
the ladies against. They are exquisites, dandies, who 
think themselves handsome and are deeply in love 
with their own beauty, so much so, that they have not 
room in theii- heaits to love any one else. A humorous 
gentleman (jnce said to me. ])ointing- to a beau of this 
desci-i]ition : "That fellow ought to be extiemely happy, 
for he is desperately in love with himself and has no ri- 
val!" 

It is said, on philosophical ])rii;ciples, that opposites 
are apt to love each other, and observation would rath- 
er tend to establish this i^hilosophical pi-inciple. How 
often do w«^' see a, gi'ave and silent gentlenmn select as 
his wife a gay, lively and frolicsome lady? Have you 
never seen a talented and intellectual woman mated 
with a dull and stupid husl)and? Tall and slender 
young men are very a])t to fall in love with short, fat, 
bouncing girls. I have often seen a very beautiful ]i}(\x 
mai'ried tt) a very homely gentleman; an old man, with 
a young wife; a fragile, andable and delicate woman, 
with a rough, passionate and Targe man. A stranger 
nnght suppose that such couples were inis-matched, but 
their lives will piove that th(\v lived hap|»ily and lov- 
ingly together. 

(ii-eat men intellectually, great statesmen, orators 
and aiithois have generally married women not at all 
lemaikabh' for their talents or intellectual endowments. 



Address. 353 

nwd hpnee their sons are seldom iiistiiij>nished. It is a 
remarkable fact that all <>reat men have had <i,Teat 
mothers. They may not have been educated or learned 
women, but they weie <»,reat by nature. Lord Bacon 
and Napoleon Bonaparte, two of the highest intellect- 
ual men the world ever produced, had mothers remark- 
able for their intellectual endowments. George Wash- 
ington and Dr. Franklin, the most eminent of all Amer- 
ica's distinguished sons, had mothers highly gifted by 
nature. I might go on and enumerate hundreds of 
other instances. But I do not remember a single in- 
stance of a great man being born of an ordinary' and 
weak woman intellectually. 

My observation and reading have strongly impressed 
my mind with the belief that sons inherit more of the 
intellectual qualities of the mother than of the father; 
Hud that daughters inheiit from their father in a great 
measure his intellectual qualities and personal resem- 
blance. 

You must not think, my young friends, that when you 
leave this seminary of learning, after having accom- 
plished your studies in philosophy, belles-lettres, rhet- 
oric and all the sciences, your education is completed. 
The most important duties of life, those duties which 
ai'e to fit you for being placed at the head of a family, 
you have yet to learn. The^' will be taught you by 
your mothers at home. I know the household duties 
are humble and homely, when compared to music, 
painting and drawing; but a knowledge of them is more 
useful and more important to a good wife and good 
mother than all these accomplishments. Learn to keep 
house, prepare the meals for the family and to make 
your own dresses. You must learn economy and avoid 
all extravagance. 

Fenelon says: " With regard to diess we must en- 
deavor to inspire girls with moderation. True wisdom 
consists in our nevei- displaying in our dress or our 



854 Ai)i)up]ss. 

oquipago anything rcinai-kablc; let tluM-e be nothing in 
their dress like affeetation. We must endeavor to in- 
spii-e th(Mn with coruitassion fortlie i)ooi- and sliow them 
the sin of those who only live t'oi- themselves and refuse 
to give to those wiio suffei'." lie also says you must 
always and at at all times a[)[)ear neat in your dress, 
not only befoi-e marriage, but aftei- marriage. That 
neatness and beauty of a,})j)earan('(\ which may liave 
won youi- husbaiHTs heait, may beessent ial in retaining 
his love in after life. President . Jefferson ad vis<>d, asyou 
glow older, you should l)e more <ir-cums[)ect as to your 
diess, in or-der to conceal th(> effects of age and the rav- 
ages of time on beauty and lo\'eliness. Lord Chester- 
field, who undertook to instruct the world on politeness 
and good manners, says that carelessn<\ss and indiffei-- 
owve about one's di'ess shows a want of respect for soci- 
ety, friends ;\nd associates. 

. The expeiience^of every one is, that wonieti are more 
compassionate, more kind and more charitable than 
men. The great Ameiican traveler, Ledyard, who 
l)ass(Hl over the world on foot, j)ays a most ehxpientatid 
glowing compliment to woman in his book of travels 
for her kindness, benevolence and charity. In all of his 
wandei'ings amongst savage and civilized people hc: had 
never been treated unkindly by woman, when asking 
charity or assistance; but had been frequently I'udely 
repulsed by men. 

L(4 me impress on your minds, young ladies, that in- 
dustiy and employment are absolutely necessary to 
your hap|)iness and contentment in life. Idleness is 
always productive of mischief and discontent. You 
must have something to do and something to look foi- 
wai-d to, something to hope foi- from what you ai'e 
doing. Your leisuie time in the disciiaige of your do- 
mestic and social duties should be spent in reading and 
a(*(]uii'ing useful infoi-mation and knowledge fi-oni good 
books. Do not waste your time over sillv, fashionable 



ADDitESS. 855 

tiovels and ephein(^jal trash whieli now floods the world; 
Let your reading,' be history, bio«>raphy, travels, stand- 
ard poeti-y and religious books. Novel reading- unfits 
your mind for graver studies and fills your thoughts 
with roniantie notions which never can be realized. Life 
is too short to read everything-, and therefore make a 
judicious selection. 

If you 11/77 read novels, however, let me entreat 3 onto 
read standard novels, such as Sir Walter Scott's, Dick- 
ens', Bulwer'vS, Cooper's and Sirnm's. The last named 
writer of fiction and poetry has done for South Carolina 
what Sir Walter Scott did for Scotland'— illustrated the 
history, scenery, manners and customs of Carolina in 
her provincial days, and hence his novels are dear to all 
Carolinians. I would connnend to your reading, instead 
of novels*. Miss Strickland's lives of the Queens of Eng- 
land and Scotland, Plutarch's lives of the eminent Gre- 
cians and Romans, and Parton's works are all deeply 
interesting. The family library composed of histories, 
biographies, travels and science, arts and literature, the 
sermons of lUair, Hall, Tillotson andMassalou, Shakes- 
peare and the Bible. Such reading will store 3'our minds 
with good, useful, moral and religious learning, instead 
of fiction, love stories and nonsense. It will prepare 
you for the active duties of this life and fit you for the 
world to come. 

It is said in the Scriptures that we are all sinful by na- 
ture, and the grand object of life should be to restrain 
and suppress our evil propensities and passions. The 
sooner we commence this habit the more likely we are 
to be successful. Always try like a good Christian and 
noble minded woman to curb your tempers, your angei-. 
your envy, your hatred and jealousy. 

Governor Hayne, one of South Carolina's most emi^ 
nent sons, and distinguished through life for his wisdom 
and practical good sense, once said to me that the two 
first requisites in a wife were good health and good tern- 



35(> Address. 

pel-. What haj)piiu>ss can a husband i-easonably expect 
when his \\\ie is always in bad health and incapable of 
enjoying- lifeor thesociety of her friendw and family? You 
should therefore most carefully attend to your health 
and invigoi-atiiig your constitution. This you should 
do, as I have already advised, by taking exercise in the 
open air. Nine-tenths of the young ladie\s in delicate 
health have brought it on by neglect in this respect. 
They grow up like hothouse phiiits, never taking health- 
ful exercise and indulaing- in all the dissipations of fash- 
ionable life. 

In regard to bad temper, we may be born with it, and 
therefoi-e not so much to blame for possessing it. But 
we are inexcusable for not endeavoring" to control it 
whilst young. By indulging ill temper on all occasions 
we make ourselves miserable and all about us unhappy. 
It is said that Washington was a man of high temper 
and very passionate in his feelings, but he learned to 
control himself and always appeared calm, serene and 
dignified. Socrates, the great philosopher of antiquity, 
said he was a bad man by imture, but he controlled his 
evil passions and propensities and became an exemplar 
of morality and virtue. 

In a great measure our hapjjiuess in this life depends 
on ourselves. There are some persons who would not 
be satisfied under any circumstances, and there are 
others who will be happy and contented no matter what 
their lot may be in this life. We should not repine foi- 
for things which we cannot have or etivy thosp who 
have them. If disappointments and misfortunes over- 
take us, we should bear them phiiosophically and not 
fret and worry over them. A true philosojjhical mind, 
always calm and serene, is wui-th more than a fortune, 
or all the honors and distinc-tions we could possibly at- 
tain, so far as our happiness is concerned in this world. 

Nqw, young ladies, in concluding my prosy address, 
let me entreat you to cultivate your amiability and 



Address. 357 

your affectionate dispositions, be dutiful to, your parents, 
kiTid to your friends and associates, civil and courteous 
to all persons, obedient and respectful to youi- teachers 
and professors. Never ^ive offense to any one and be 
not hasty to resent any slioht or offense shown you. 

There is great niagnaiiiuiity in passing over in silence, 

or not noticing- any want of courtesy which may be 

shown you. Beware of tale bearers under the guise of 

riendship. The3^ are mischievous associates or friends. 

Practice economy and industry. Be neat always and 
at all times in your dress, but neverextravagant. Take 
abundant exercise in the open air and invigorate your 
constitutions. Health is the greatest blessing of life. 
Never seek admiration or aspire to be belles and fritter 
away your hearts on a multitude of beaux. I have the 
same opinion of a fashionable belle that I expressed foi- 
an exquisite. 8be is always seeking admiration and so 
much in love with herself that she has no heart for any 
one else. A friend of mine, now living in this county, 
once said to nie that a fashionable belle in society 
always reminded him of an old man's description of his 
horse in a pasture. He said the horse was " hard to 
catch and not woi-th much when he was caught." Just 
so with a gay, fashionable belle. She is hard to catch 
and not worth much, as a wife, when she is caught. 

I nowljid you farewell, young ladies, thanking you foi- 
the honor you have done me in asking me to address 
you on this occasion. I have done so plainly and truth- 
fully, without attempting any figures of i-hetoric or 
flowers of eloquence, for they are foreign to my nature; 
earnestly hoping that you may remember some of the 
advice given you, and that your lives may be pros- 
perous and happy, that you may safely return to your 
homes and parents, and in due time have steady, in- 
dustrious, honorable and loving husbands — Adieu,* 



JOINING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 



[Written by (roveinor H. K. Feviv, July 8, iS8o, on occasion of a public 

meeting in South Carolina, when a proposition \\as made that 

Democrats should break Uj) the Solid South and 

join the l<e])ul)lican party.] 

% LL the Deuiqcratic fools are not dead vet, and 
.some of the Democratic knaves are also still 
livinj>-. Evei-y now and then, since the Presidential elec- 
tion, we hear sui><iestions fi-om these politicians that the 
great Democratic party shonld be broken up and new 
parties organized. They seem to foiget, or pretend not 
to know, that the principles of the Demociatic party ai-e 
inherent in the nature of our Republican oovernment 
and essential to its existence. Honesty and an econom- 
ical administration of the Republic is one cardinal 
]>rinciple of Democracy. The appointment of competent 
and faithful public servants in all the departments of 
government is another. The people are the source of all 
powei- and honoi- in a Republic as the Sovereign is in a 
despotism. A rigid consti'uction and adherence to tlie 
Constitution of the several States of the United States 
must be sacredly observed in order to maintain our 
complex form of government. No invasion of thelimited 
))Owei's of the General Government or the reserved 
rights ot the States should be tolerated. Evei-yone 
should be protected in his life, liberty, jjropert}' and re- 
ligion. 

On these fundaniental ])rinciples the Democratic party 
administered the Federal (n)vernmentfor more than fifty 
years, and the United States prospered, flourished and 
increased more than any nation ever did before in the 
history of the world. In an evil hour, the government 
fell into the hands of the old Federal party, under the 



Joining the Repubi^ican Pakty . 350 

falsf name of Republican. This paity, lepudiatiiig all. 
compromiHe and in violation of the sacred principles of 
American Independence, involved thecountry in a cruel, 
bloody civil war, at the sacrificeof five hundred thousand 
heroic men and billions of property! They then 
established, in violation of the Constitution, which they 
had sworn to protect and flefend, the most odious and 
revolting tyranny that ever disgraced a civilized people. 
The Caucasion lace in one-half of the Union was disfran- 
chised and placed under the government of their enfran- 
chised African slaves! The most unprincipled adven- 
tureis from the North were sent South to assist the 
ignorant semi-savage negroes in the government of 
their former masters! An army of soldiers was scat- 
tered all over this down-trodden and oppressed country, 
to keep in subjection a refined and pi'oud-spirited ])eo- 
ple, a.nd to rob and plunder their possessions! 

In the course of eight oi* ten long, dreadful years, this 
frightful black government, through the mercies of (Jod. 
fell by its own coriuption and ignorance. Democratic 
principles were once more in the ascendant in both 
Houses of Congress and with a majority of the people of 
the United States Tilden, the Democratic candidate foi- 
President, was elected by a majority of three hundred 
thousand votes. But the Republican party, by the 
grossest frauds and perjuries, succeeded in repudiating 
the voice of the American people and established Hayes 
in the Presidency! Four years afterwards the Demo- 
cratic l)arty presented as their candidate for President. 
General Hancock, of Pennsylvania, a gallant soldier, a 
wise statesman, and a noble gentleman and patriot, 
sans puer, et sans reprocbe. He was beaten by the Re- 
publican candidate, whose character was smirched all 
over by his own party in former years with biibery, cor- 
ruption and perjury! 

But in this contest the Democrats were defeated by 
onlv three thousand votes in more than nine millions of 



•360 Joining the Republican Pakty, 

votes which were polled at the election! Their candi- 
date actually received iseveial hundred thousand more 
white votes than the Republican candidate. If the elec- 
tion had depended on the white citizens of the United 
States, Hancock would have been elected by more than 
half a million of votes: but for the thirty thousand 
iie^ro votes in New York, that «>reat State would have 
i^iven him a handsome majoiity, notwithstandino- all 
the money spent there in purchasin<2,' votes and all the 
exertions of wealthy manufactuiers in bull-dozing their 
poor operatives. 

It is a great mistake to say the Noith was solid for 
the Republican party. In a. million of votes cast in 
New York, Garfield received only a majority of fifteen or 
twenty thousand including the colored votf of thirty 
thousand. In Indiana, theie was oidy a majority of 
five orsix thousand, in seven oi-eight bundled thousand, 
in Connecticut and Maine a still smaller majority. New 
Jei'sey gave a Democratic nmjorityand so did Delaware. 
CalifoiTiia did the same. The Democi-ats polled several 
hundied thousand votes in Ohio, Illinois and many 
other Northern States. Why, then, is it said the North 
is solid against Democi-acy and the South? There is no 
truth in it. If ever there was a party entitled to the 
gratitude of tlieir allies, the northern Democracy are 
entitled to the unbounded gratitude of evei-y Southern 
Democi'at. They have stood steadfast to their princi- 
ples, at the sacrifice of their yjersonal interest and am- 
bition. They have foregone all political honors and 
office for their principles and love of an honest and ])ure 
government. Their patriotism shines brighter and is 
more disinterested than that of Southern Democrats. 
We were fighting in self defence as well as for principle 
whilst they were fighting for principle alone; their 
personal rights, security and civil liberty were in 
no danger. Under these circumstances, I say boldly, 
that the treason of Benedict Arnold was not more 



JOINLNG THE RePUBLIOAN PaRTY. 361 

infamous than would be our desertion of the Northern 
Democracy. It would not only be infamous, but suici- 
dal. 

In all earnestness, I would ask these Democratic fools 
and knaA'es what benefit the Southern Democracy would 
tjain by abandoning- their party, their principles, their 
friends, and the friends of an honest, economical ad- 
ministration of the Federal Govei-nment, and go overto 
the Republican party — a party from whom they have 
never received anything- but insult and injury — a party 
which put them under a negro g-overnment athotne and 
protected that government witli Federal bayonets in 
robbing-, plundeiing and dishonoring them — a party 
which has stolen from them the Pi'esidency and ad- 
ministered the Federal government for the last twenty 
years, fraudulently and corruptly — a party whose sole 
aim seems to be to convei-t the American Republic into 
a splendid Empire with a President for life!! The only 
advantage that I can see would be that some of these 
foolish and corrupt advocates of so monstrous and un- 
natural a proposition might be rewarded with Federal 
office for their treason and hishonor! 

Let the great and patriotic Democratic party of the 
Ujiited States stand futst by their principles and they 
will achieve success /bur years hence, under their illustri- 
ous standard-bearer, General Wintield Scott Hancock. 
He was beaten only three thousand votes, as I have 
already said, in a vote of upward of nine millions. 
Four years more of Republican rule will bring the 
American people to their senses. 

Note. — They did achieve success under Grorer Clfvcland . 



:iilBlilftlI^^BliiW»ii;illsciillllBHiJllllli«to«ltoSIIIW^»^ 



ADDRESS 



DELIVERED 



fiefore the Female College, Reidville, Spartanburg Countf, S, L June 20, 



BY GOVERNOR B. F. PERRY. 



[ Tlie /ast speech made r^y (lovernor Perry on any important occasion 
wJien he was in his seventy-seventh year.] 

Reidvillk, S. C, May lo, 1S89. 
Mrs. B. F. Perry. 

Dear Madam : I sincere!}- thanl< you for the volume of Biographical 
Slietches of Eminent Statesmen, with Speeches, .Addresses and Letters 
of your honored husband, presented to me at your beautiful home, Sans 
Souci, and also for the volume donated to the library of our Female Col- 
lege. I have read it with great interest and profit. I value it not only 
for its intrinsic worth, containing so much valuable information, clearly 
and elegantly expressed in good style, but as the production of a friend 
whom I have always admired as a model citizen, lawyer and statesman, 
having the courage to follow his convictions of right, truth and duty, 
maintaining a high, j/(?//cjj' character, above the reproach even of h\i^ ene- 
mies. Permit me to say that you are doing a good thing for the young men 
of the State in publishing Governor Perry's works. The story of his life 
is as interesting as a novel, and forms a large part of the political history 
of the State during the period of his active life. Through your devoted 
and loving labors, " he being dead," will continue to speak to coming 
ages, thoughts that will never lose their interest and freshness. I can 
truthfully say of Governor Perry what Dr. Thornwell said of John C 
Calhoun : " If God Almighty ever made a man, and set his seal upon 
him, that he /la^ made a man — that man was Benjamin Franklin Perry." 

Very respectfully yours, 

R. H. Reip. 

Ladies ciiid Gentlemen : 

T THE commencement of the South Carolina Col- 
lp<2,e, thirty-five or six years since, I was seated on 
the i)hit.forin of the chapel with Colonel Wade Hampton, 



Address. 363 

Governor Allstcjii, .Iud<!,e Whitner, and otlier trusteen 
of the colleoe listeniiiotothe addresses of the pjraduates. 
when one of them, a tall, slender youth mounted the 
rostrum to deliver his valedictory. The first words he 
uttered with a trembling- voice, were characterized witH 
.so much parnestness and sincerity of tone, that our 
attention was attracted to him, and we listened witli 
thrilling- interest to his eloquent and approyn'iate ad- 
dress, and predicted f(^r him a brilliant career at the 
bar and in politics. But we were informed that his 
wishes and ambition were for a higher and holier voca- 
tion. He caied not for populai- honors and distinction, 
but chose rather to exert his talents, eloquence and 
lea.rnin<>- in the ministry, where he thought his ability 
;ind usefulness would be productive of greatei' good to 
his fellowmen. Time passed on, and 1 undei'stood that 
this young graduate had entered the ministi-y and built 
u}> a most flourishing high school for female education 
at this place, which was imnied in honor of him, and 
where young ladies from Florida, Georgia, South Caro- 
lina, Virginia and North Carolina, came to be instructed 
in the higher branches of learning and science, as well as 
religion and virtue. I have been invited b3' this gentle- 
man, the Rev. R. H. Reid, at the request of the Board 
of Trustees of the Reidville Academy, to address you on 
the present occasion. In doing so, 1 am afraid, ladies 
and gentleman, that you will be disappointed in the 
subject of my discourse. Instead of an elaborate essay on 
female education, showing the importance in relation to 
society aiid Christian civilization, of imbuing the minds 
of our daughters, as well as our sons, with all the learn- 
ing in the higher branches of education, I shall give 
you "The Past, the Present and Future of South 
Carolina." 

In my acceptance of the invitation to deliver an ad- 
dress at the present commencement of the Reidville 



364 Address. 

Academy, I intimated as much to the principal of the 
school, and he acquiesced in it. 

The subject is a j>Tand one and I have found it too 
grand and extensive for an address of this character. 
To do it Justice would require volumes instead of a few 
pages, and the pen of a Prescott or Bancroft. 1 can 
only glance at sonie of its prominent features. We all 
love the old Palmetto State, as we love our mother, and 
venei-ate her high and proud character. We delight to 
recall her glorious historic events, as a colony and as a 
State. And we feel a pride in naming her biilliant and 
devoted sons, in the war of the Revolution, in the war 
of 1812, in the Mexican war, and in the war of our Lost 
Confederacy. We have equal pride, too. in recalling the 
wisdom, ability, eloquence, and patriotism of her 
statesmen in our national assemblies and in our State 
Legislatures, the learninji- and purity of her judges and 
public officers, as well as the genius displayed by her 
sons and daughters in the field of litei-ature. 

After mature consideration and serious reflection, I 
entertain the most sanguine hopes, my friends, that the 
future of our beloved State will be as bright and pros- 
perous as her last decade has been wietched and infa- 
mous. That black, lowering cloud which hovered over 
her horizon for eight long, teriible years, has been dis- 
persed, and once more a bright, genial sun illumines her 
political firmament. We have suffered sociall3\ finan- 
cially and politically as no civilized people ever did in 
this Christian age. Our State Government was the most 
infamous, oppressive and corrupt known in the annals 
of history. Undei' the despotic and cruel rule of our 
national government, in utter disregard of all Repub- 
lican principles and constitutional rights, we were dis- 
franchised, deprived of self-government, and our former 
slaves, ignorant and senn-savage, were placed over us, 
led on by the most unprincipled adventurers, black and 
white, from the North, assisted bv a few of the meanest 



Address. 365 

and most uuprinciplpd of our native citizens. All out- 
just lights, social and political, were utteily ignored, 
oui- pioperty confiscated by extravagant and enormous 
taxation, public money was stolen and squandered for 
the vilest and most infamous purposes, and the credit 
and character of the State dishonored and lost ! 

In eve?-y town, city and villajie in South Carolina, 
Fedei'al soldiers, infantry, cavalry and artilleiy, w^re 
stationed and quarteied to uphold this black govern- 
ment of rogues and scoundrels, and keep in subjection 
a high-minded, patriotic, liberty -loving people! Peace- 
able, inoffensive citizens were daily ai-rested. dragged 
from their homes, and incarcerated in filthy, crowded 
prisons, at the instance of some false, stupid, vindictive 
Negro! All the offices of the State, and of the United 
States in South Carolina weie given to the most corrupt 
and ignorant men, black and white, renegades and 
ruffian blackguards, who had come here or risen up 
amongst us, like vultures and harpys,to prey on a dead 
carcass! The coloivd people were taught by their 
leaders that incendiarism w as a righteous and patriotic 
virtue! Evei-y night the lurid flames told of the 
destruction of gin houses, stores and mansions! Ladies 
were afraid to walk the streets in Clmrleston for fear of. 
being grossly insulted by the sable loafei-s amJ loungers 
at the street corners ! Gentlemen were in constant ap- 
prehension, t>very night, of robbeiT and assassination! 

It is therefore not surprising, that under these direful 
circumsta!ices, the energies of our ]:)eople were crushed 
and paralyzed, that all public im{)rovements were aban- 
doned, education neglected and private interests sacri- 
ficed. No one thought of making any effort to develop 
the resources of the State or to improve her condition 
under this regime of i-ogues and scoundrels, protected 
by federal bayonets. Life was no longer a blessing, 
and the people at length, determined to ri.se up in the 
majesty of their strength, and throw off this jiorrible 



366 Address. 

j>ovei'nnRMit, be the {'Oiisequences what thej ini^ht. 
Their noble, patriotic effort, through the merey of God, 
was crowned with success. A free enlightened Republi- 
can government was once more established in South 
Carolina, with a wise and pi-udent (iovei-nor. General 
Hampton, distinguished through life for his honor and 
heroism, and with a patiiotic Legislature, and compe- 
tent, virtuous pul)lic officers, all over the State. South 
Carolina now stands "redeemed, regenerated and dis- 
enthralled." 

The history of this State up to the close of the war of 
Secession was a proud and glorious one. There was no 
blot or stain on her escutc^heon from her eailiest settle- 
ment. Her Governors had always been high minded 
and honorable men, her judges pure and unsullied, her 
legislators patriotic and incoi-ruptible, her public offi- 
cers ever faithful and diligent in the discharge of their 
official duties, and her citizens enlightened, brave and 
patriotic, distinguished for their love of liberty and 
Constitutional Republican ])rinciples. No charge of 
briber3' oi* corruption was ever made against any of 
her legislators or public officers in the whole history of 
the commonwealth. There was amoral and patriotic 
tone which pervaded the whole State and formed the 
chai-acter of her citizens from the earliest settlement of 
the country. No community in ancient or modern 
times, were ever governed by a higher sense of honor, 
viitue and natriotism. Their jienerous nature, love of 
hospitality and virtuous ease and pleasuie, have pre- 
vented them from being as thrifty as some of their 
Northern brethren. The love of money has never been 
their ruling passion, or the god of their idolatry. 

Two hundred years ago the first settlement in South 
Carolina was made by the proud cavaliei's of England, 
to whom the province was granted. They were a noble 
race of men and they stami)ed their character on the 
settlement. In the course of a few vears thev were 



Address. 867 

joined by the Huguenots of France, a worthv and relig- 
ious people who had fled from the persecutions of the 
mother country and sought freedou) of conscience in the 
American wilderness. Some years after these settle- 
ments in the lower country, upper Carolina was settled 
by a hardy, industrious race of enterprising yeomanry 
from Virginia and Maryland. Such were the germs 
from which the citizens of Carolina, have sprung, pure, 
proud, aTid reh'gious, loving liberty and independence. 

Throughout her whole history South Carolina has 
ever been distinguished for the talents, virtue and patri- 
otism of her public men. Although a proud colony of 
Great Britain, and although her prominent sons ha;d 
been educated In England, yet she was one of the fore- 
most States in her resistance to British tyi-anny and 
oppression. Her Pincknej's, Rutledges. Gadsdens, Mid- 
dletons, Hugers, Sumters, Marions and Pickens were 
conspicuous as statesmen, patriots and heroes in the 
American Revolution. In the second war of Independ- 
ence with Great Britain in 1812, she presented a galaxy 
of genius, talents and ability which would have done 
honor to ancient Greece or Rome. Lowndes, Cheves 
and Calhoun were the master spiiits of that war, and 
controlled the Congress of the United States in carrying 
on the war. More recently South Carolina has pro- 
duced Hayne, Harper, Drayton, Preston, McDuffie, Le- 
gare, Petigru, Hamilton, and many other illustrious 
men who wei'e the peers of any in the Senate of the 
United States or the House of Representatives for elo- 
quence, leai-ning and ability. Such names should in- 
spire the rising generation in this State to emulate their 
fame and renown as statesmen and pati-iots. 

Pi-e-eminent as South Carolina has been in her states- 
men, patriots and orators, she has not been deficient in 
her literature, education and literary men. Her college 
in Columbia was for many years the resort of all the 
young men of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and 



368 Address. 

Virginia, who soiijilit m finished, seientifi(; and cla.ssi(;al 
edncation. In every department of literature, history, 
bio<z,ra])hy, ]joetry, science and liction she has produced 
autliors of great merit and distinction. Hevvit, Raui- 
say, Simms. Di-ayton, Moultrie, Carrol, Rivers, (iibbs, 
Logan and Davidson were historians whom any State 
or nation may boast of having produced. In poetry 
the names of Washington Alston, Gilmoi-e Simms, Paul 
Ha.yne, Henry Timrod, Colonel (Jrayson, Richard Fur- 
man, Laura Gwyn, Mrs. Blake and many others are 
well known in the literary woild. In the field of biogra- 
phy we may refer with pride to Judge Johnson's life of 
General (iieene, or Johnson's Reminiscences, or Simn)s' 
biogiaphies, Life of Marion by Weems, Judge O'Neall's 
Bench and Bar, his Annals of Newberiy, or Laborde's 
History of the South Carolina. College, and many other 
biographies of merit and high reputation. In fiction 
Gilmore Simms stands pre-eminent, and raid<s with 
Cooper. He has illustrated South Carolina as Sir 
Walter Scott did his native land. There are many 
other writers of fiction in South Carolina, of no ordinary 
merit. Mrs. Gilma.n, Mis. Glover, Mrs. Aldiich, are 
well known. '* The Novelettes " of Professor Nott, and 
" Thirty-Foui- Years Since," an Ameiican story of 
Southeiii life, by his niece, Mrs. Means, with very many 
other tales a.nd stories, do credit to South Carolina . " The 
Works of John C Calhoun," in six volumes, are equal 
In merit to Aristotle's Politics and Ethics. The writings 
of Hugh S. Legare, in two volumes,' are unsurpassed for 
classical loie, style and intei-est. The Southcun Review, 
published in Charleston, was for many years equal to 
any work of the kind in Euj'0|)e or America. 

But there is one great omission in tlie literature of 
South Carolina, and I regret to mention it. No one has 
come forward to wi-ite the lives of South Cai'olina's 
eminent men. In Massachusetts, as soon as one of her 
j)r()minent citizens is dead, some literary friend steps 



Address. 369 

forward to write bis life. In South Carolina there \s 
Hcarcelj a life of any of her eminent sons written at all. 

One <2,reat drawback on the prosperity of South (^aro- 
lina, heretofore, has been the s{)iiit of enii<iration. on 
the part of her sons, to the Southwest. This restless 
disposition and unpatriotic love of change has robbed 
her of a large portion of her wealth, energy and talent. 

She has given to the Southwestern States many of 
their most prominent men, and hei- wealth has given 
prosperity and giowth to the States of Georgia, Ala- 
bama, I'lorida,, ]\Iississi})[)i, Tennessee and Texas. This 
di-ain on hei- po])ulation and wealth, which continuei* 
for niore than a half century, has now ceased in a great 
measure, and she will soon realize its advantages, in the 
improvement of her lands, and the development of her 
resources. Let us reflect and consider what a State 
South Carolina would nov\ be, if she could reclaim all 
the wealth ami population, all the energy and industi-y, 
and all the talent and learning, and virtue and patriot- 
ism, which she has so lavishly poured into the Sonth- 
westei'u States. This spirit of emigration not oidy im- 
poverishes the State, but it has a tendency to impair 
and weaken the patriotism of the emigrant. The citi- 
zen who is constantly moving from State to State, loses 
all local attachments, and can never feel that deep 
seated love of country which glows in the bosom of one 
who lives whei'e he was born and raised and where his 
ancestors for generations have lived and died and lie 
V)uried. 

There has been another great impediment besides 
emigration to the improvement and prosperity of 
South Carolina. It was her institution of slavery, so 
long cherished and considered the source of all her 
wealth. The farmer and planter, the merchant and 
capitalist, were always anxious to invest their surplus 
capital in the purchase of more slaves, and never 
thought of improving with it their lands, erecting ma- 



370 Address. 

cliinery and building iiiauufaetories. They only 
thought of buying more slaves to make more cotton or 
corn and then selling their crops to invest again in 
more slaves till their lands were entirely worn out. 
Then they gathered up their slaves, deserted their ex- 
hausted lands and dila[)idated houses, and moved off 
to a new country to pursue there the same ruinous 
policy. Now. this source of investment has been de- 
stroyed forever, and most happily for the improvement 
of the State. When a farmer, or planter, or capitalist 
has a surplus of money, he now has to invest it in the 
improvement of his lands and houses, or in machine 
shops, or factories of some kind, or in the education of 
his sons and daughters. 

These two impediments being now removed and an 
honest government being once more restored, South 
Carolina has resources and advantages which should 
make her future a bright, prosperous and glorious one. 
Her clin)a,te is unsurpassed, neither severely cold in 
Winter, norextremely hot in Summer. There is no State 
in the Union more healthy the year round. The health 
of the upper portion of the State is equal to that of 
any country in the world. The lands of South Caro- 
lina are rich and productive, and those that have been 
exhausted may be easily reclaimed by good manage- 
ment. There are thousands of acres of swamp lands 
on our great rivers which will one day be drained, em- 
banked and brought into cultivation. They are as rich 
as any lands in the world, and their cultivation would 
produce grain enough to bread the whole population of 
the State. This is destined to be, at some future day, 
one great source of the prosperity of the State. 

South Carolina is unrivalled in the variety of the pro- 
ducts of her soil. She produces in the greatest abund- 
ance all the cereals, wheat, rye, corn, oats, barley and 
rice. With the application of phosphates, cotton grows 
as well under the mountains of Carolina as it does in 



Address. 371 

the Southwestern States. Tobacco was once a profita- 
ble crop in South Carolina and niig-ht be again. So was 
indigo. The growth of sorghum within a few years 
pa;«t in this State shows that we might manufacture 
our own molasses and sugar and be independent of 
Louisiana and the West India islands in this respects 
It has been proven by experiments recently made, that 
the tea plant will grow successfidly in South Carolina, 
and in the course of time it may become one of the great 
staple commodities of the Southern States. The cul- 
ture of the grape has been successful where ever tried in 
South Carolina, and in a few years will be a most re- 
munerative crop. Apples, j>eaches, plums, cherries and 
all the ordinaiy fruits grown in the United States, do 
well in this State, and might be made profitable crops. 
All the vegetables used on the table, are grown here in 
the greatest abundance. Clover and all the grasses do 
well in the upper part of this State, and it is most un- 
fortunate for our people that they have not been more 
extensively grown. 

The discovery of phosphates in South Carolina is 
more valuable than the discovery of a dozen gold mines. 
It has revolutionized the agriculture of the State, and 
will double and triple its products. Alieady the old 
exhausted broom sedge fields planted in cotton and 
fertilized with the phosphates have been more profita^ 
ble than the richest loam grounds cultivated in corn. 
It not only fertilizes the soil, but it matures the bolls 
two or three weeks sooner than they would otherwise 
ripen, and thereby escapes the early frosts. Gold and 
iron ores have likewise been discovered in various sec- 
tions of the State, and successfully operated. Kaolin, 
out of which porcelain or Chinaware is manufactured, 
has been found in many parts of the State, and may in 
the future, be a source of gieat profit. 

The people of South Carolina have heretofore been 
very neglectful in raising horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, 



372 Address. 

which the^v mio-ht do most successfully, iustead of de- 
peuding ou the <»reat West for their a.nima.ls. This has 
been a, g-reat drain on their wealth and a serious impedi- 
ment to their prosperity. It is to be hoped that the 
stock law lately enacrted by our Leoislatue, will pi-o- 
duce a change in tin's respect, and make us independent 
of Kentucky and Tenuessee. The Piedmont rej^ion of 
South Cai-olinais well ada{)ted to the raisin<i- of sheej). 
which would be a source of incalculable wealth. In 
l!]no-la,nd the cultui-e of turnips and the raisino- of sheef) 
is one great source of her prosperity and national 
wealth. 

Hut the gi-eatest source of the future w<'alth and pros- 
perity of South Carolina, is in utilizing her water power 
and manufacturing cotton and wool. We have every 
conceivable advantage over the Northern States and 
Great Britain in manufacturing cotton. The raw n)a- 
terial is grown here, our climate is better adapted to 
manufacturing })ur|)oses, water ])()weT-, which is expen- 
sive at the North, and scarcely to be obtained in Eng- 
land, will cost little or nothing here; labor is cheaper 
than it is in the Northern States, and all we want is 
capital and skill. They are destined to come hei'e at no 
distant day from Engla7id,as well as fi-om the Northei-n 
States. Foreign capitalists will tind it to their interest 
to make this chauge, and all mankind in pursuit of 
money are of course gcjverned by their interest. There 
are already a. good many cotton factories in the State, 
and they are all doing well. The Piedmont factoi-y in 
Greenville, with ai capital of four hundred tliousand dol- 
lars, realized during the ])a,st yeai-, thirty per cent, on 
the capital. They have been sliip])ing their goods to 
China and South Amf>rica as well as to New York and 
Boston. I was told by the president that the net profit 
on a. yai-d of cloth sold for eight C(Mits was foui- cents. 

There is another source of pros()ei-ity and greatness 
»in the future of our old couHiionwealth. which the peo- 



Address. 'M'^ 

pie are beginning- to value more than they t^ver did be- 
fore. I allude to our schools and eolleoes. No people 
can be great, oi- prosperous, oi* wealthy without eduea- 
tion, and no people can sustain a republican form of 
ooverument without virtue and intelligence, which flow 
from education. In former times, there were a few in 
South Carolina, highly educated, who gave character 
to the State abi-oad, whilst the great mass of our popu- 
lation had vei-y few advantages in this respect. A bet- 
ter spirit now pervades the country. The Legislature 
has provided an)ple means for the education of all in 
the primary branches, and the citizens are erecting col- 
leges and schools all over the State, to teach the higher 
branches of learning. It is said Prussia owed her con- 
quest of France, a few years since, to the universal edu- 
cation of all her citizens. It was education that nmde 
Athens the mistress of the Grecian confederacy. It is 
education that has given New p]ngland such a controll- 
ing influence over the public sentiment of America. Her 
literatui'e, her books, her newspapers and magazines, 
notwithstanding all our Southern prejudices, are at 
this time imperceptibly influencing and controlling our 
opinions and actions. 

There is every reason to believe that the future of 
South Carolina will be prosperous and happy. The 
Federal Union will nevei- again be assailed, and the love 
of constitutional liberty and republican principles. 
North and South, East and West, will never tolerate a 
centralized despotism. Her [)opulation is increasing 
most wonderfully, her schools and colleges are multiply- 
ing and flourishing, her agriculture improving, he?- 
manufactories rapidly multiplying, and her citizens are 
becoming more energetic, enterprising and indust)ious. 
The resources of the State are being developed, rail- 
roads are being built all over her territory, towns and vil- 
lages are springing up in every direction, her citizens are 
no longer leaving their homes and moving to new conn- 



374 Address. 

tries, (M-ime is (limiiiisliinn', and the moral tt)iie of the 
community ra.pidly improviiiij;. Well may we be j)i-ond 
of the past and hopeful of the future. 

But there is one thin«i which I wouhJ most earnestly 
impress on the younii men of Cai-olina, as necessary to 
their own success and happiness in hfe as it is to the 
future pi-()sperity of the State. Slaveiy is al)olished, and 
labor is made necessai-y and honoi-able to all. rich and 
pool'. Man was made by his Creator to work in this his 
probationaiy state. Six days slialt thou laboi- and the 
seventh keep holy, is the comniand of God. Instead of 
(•row(]iii(>thelearn(Hl })rofessionsand becominji idlers and 
j)aupei-s with poverty stricken families, they should turn 
their attention to atiiicultuie, the mechanic arts, 
manufacturing-. ent>inperinii, mining-, and developino 
the resources of the State. Hei-etofore, it has been too 
much the habit of South Carolinians to tiy and live 
without woi-k, and this has been one <2,reat cause of 
theii- want of projiress, impi-ovement and prosperity. 
It is a lamentable truth, that South r.'arolinians, with 
all their natui'al advaiita|>es of climate, soil, water 
j)Ower and mineral wealth, have not kept |)ace, in the 
past, with their bi-ethien of the cold and sterile New 
Kn^land States. There everyone has been active, ener- 
getic, industrious and enterpiising. No loafei-s and 
idleis are to be seen standin<>' on the street corners of 
their towns and villages, or sittino- lazily in their 
])iazzas and ])orticos 

Our Legislature has lecently enacted some wise laws 
against duelling, carrying concealed weapons, retailing 
spirituous liquoi's and other immoralities, which are 
calculated to have a most salutaiy influence on public 
sentiment. It if^ said that Jiine-tenths of the crimes in 
our courts have originated in these pernicious habits. 
Senator Merriman said, the other day in a public 
speech, that the State of North Carolina paid dui-ing 
the past year five millions of <lollars in the purchase of 



Address. 875 

whisky! In a small up countrj village of this State, it 
has been ascertained that one ba.ikeeper alone sold 
thirty thousand dollai'S worth of spirits within the |)ast 
year. But a change has now come over the spi?-it of 
that villa<ie, and retailin<> is entirely yjrohibited there at 
the present time. It is most devoutly hoped that this 
good example will be followed all over the State. 

In my mind the future wealth, prosperity and happi- 
ness of South Carolina is iijevitable. She must soon, 
from her advantages in climate, water power, cheap- 
ness in labor, living, building material and the growth 
of the law material, become a manufacturing State. 
This will more than double the value of her cotton crop, 
alr^^ady worth twenty millions of dollars, and give em- 
ployment to hundi-eds of thousands of operatives. 
Charleston harbor will soon be opened to the largest 
vessels, and railroads will be consti'ucted to carry her 
importations to every portion of the great West. The 
imn)ense swamp lands of the middle and low country 
will be drained, and the rivers embanked, which will 
double the production of all the cereals. The agricul- 
ture of the State will be varied and enlarged, and more 
attention paid to the growing of all the grapes. The 
old broom sedge fields and exhausted lands will be re- 
claimed and enriched by phosphates and other manures. 
Vinyards will be planted all over the State and wine will 
become an article of exportation. Sugar and molasses 
will be produced from the cultivation and manufacture 
of sorghum sufficient to supply home consumption. 
The tea plant will likewise be extensively cultivated in 
the course of a few years. It grows well in oui- climate, 
as has been proved by various experiments. It is 
stated, that the importation of jute, from which cot- 
ton bagging is made, costs the United States more than 
four millions of dollars. This plant will grow well in all 
the Southern States, and might be made a profitable 
crop. The mountains and the old fields will become 



37() Adduess, 

hheep foldw, and wool will be pi'oduced iii the oi'eatest 
abuiidanoe for inaTiufacturin^- purposes. The rultiva- 
tiou of the <i,Tape and the increased production of corn 
on the reclaimed swamp lands will necessarily lead to 
more attention in raising* horses, mules cattle and ho<is. 
Instead of moving to other States, oui- citizens will be 
content to live and die where they were born and 
brought uj), and they will learn to nurse that naturfd 
love which everyone has for the land of his birth, 
*^rhousands of immigrants will come here from the 
Northern States and front all ])ai-ts of the world, to en- 
joy the advantages which South Carolina will offer 
them. The facility with which wealth may be accumu- 
lated will inspire habits of industi-y and enterprise, 
Young men of education will no longer think that they 
must pursue one of the leai-ned ])i()fessioi!s and become 
gentlemanly loafei-s and })aupers, instead of prosperous 
farmers, mechanics, manufacturers. U)ineis and en- 
gineers. And our youu;. women too, will conform to 
this change after theii- education is com[>leted, and pay 
moi-e attention to their domestic and household duties, 
and less to fashions, dress, ]»arties, balls, theatres and 
all the dissipated frivolities of fashionable life. They 
will learn that it is not beneath the dignity of a well 
bred and well educated lady to cook her husband's din- 
ner and mend his clothes, as well as make her own, and 
take care of the childien. No matter how highly a 
young lady may be educated, it should not place liei- 
above hei* domestic duties, but rendei- her more capable 
of perfornnng them. 

God in his creation' of the two sexes intended them for 
different pui'poses. To man he gave strength, courage 
and endurance, and woman he (Midowed with diffidence, 
modesty and i)hysical weakness. They aie both made 
intellectually ecjuals to their respecti\e spheres and 
duties in life. Man is to till the fif^lds, go to war and 
defend his counti'v. The woman is to sta\' at home. 



Addrkss. 377 

^mrseber children and cast her softening influence over 
•society. Her mind should be highly cultivated, for she 
lias the early training and education of her children. 
But her education should- be appropriate to her mind, 
her position and duties in life. I am a utilitarian, and 
believe that every parent should .study the genius, tal- 
ents and inclination of their children and educate them 
-accordingly. Woman, in the present civilized and 
Christian age, has been elevated to her proper sphere 
«,nd educated accordingly. But she should not step 
beyond it and think of entering the learned pi-ofessionss 
ns some of our Northern ladies are doing. 

Dr. Franklin, whilst in London, was drawing off a 
•i-ask of wine, which had been sent hiui as a present, and 
dis(*overed a fly in it, which he placed in the sunshine> 
and the fly came to life again. This induced the old 
])hilosopher, patriot and philanthropist to reflect how 
])leasant it would beto revisit the earth after the lapse of 
a century or two, and see all the chang'es and improve- 
ments which had taken place. He expressed a wish that 
he could be put up in a puncheon of wine and kept for a 
<-entury, and then revived and pei'mitted to visit the 
United States again, and see all the chang-es and im- 
provements which had been made. How the old man 
would be astonished and bewildered if he could now re- 
visit his beloved country, and see all the changes and 
iuiprovements made, which he had never dreamed of in 
all his philosophy. He would see the steam engine, the 
spinning jenny, the cotton gin, the railroad, the 
<4ectric telegraph, the steam printing press, the sewing- 
machine, &(:. He would find his weekly mail, from 
Boston to Philadelphia, which he prided himself as 
Postmaster (leneral in establishino-, carried three times 
a day, over the same route in a few hours, instead of a 
week. He would learn, that instead of three monrhs, 
which it took him to cross the Atlantic Ocean, the trip 
could now be made in seven or ei^ht davs. To <iet an 



378 Addkess. 

answer to a message sent to England required six 
months, and now it will take only :\ few minutes. In- 
stead of a. population of three millions and thirteen 
States, he would now find thirty-eight States, vvith a 
population of more than fifty millions, com})rising" the 
Republic of the United States. He would learn that the 
earth was encircled with telegraph wires; that the 
Ocean, and all the rivers of the world wei-e navigated by 
steamboats, and that the telej)h()ne enabled persons in 
Philadelphia to converse with those in New York and 
Baltimore. 

How delightful it would be, my friends, if we could 
realize Franklin's wish, and have the pleasure of revisit- 
ing the Palmetto State, after the lapse of a century, 
and find her population increased from nine hundred 
thousand to three or four millions; the State dotted 
over with flourishing towns and cities; prosperous 
manufactories of cotton, wool and iron in every section 
of the country ; the swamp lands drained and teeiriing 
with luxuriant crops; colleges and schools established 
everywhere, and all the citizens of Carolina, educated, 
intelligent, prosperous and happy. 

But in this respect we are inferior to Franklin's fly, 
and neither philosphy nor science can give us this boon. 
May we not, however, hope that in another and better 
world, our kindred and friends and their descendants, 
as they come into that other and better world, will be 
able to tell us of this progress and improvement of our 
country ! I hope so. 

And now my young friends, a word of parting advice 
to you and I have done. When you leave this seat of 
learning, you must !iot consider your education as 
completed, no matter how advanced or perfect you may 
have been in your studies. You have here only laid the 
foundation of an education on which you must here- 
after build the superstructure by reading and study. 
Select good books onlv, and avoid the sentimental 



Address. 379 

trash with which the press is now teeming. Life is too 
^hort, and time is too precious to think of reading; the 
promiscuous publications of the day. Read books that 
will cultivate the heai-t as well as the head ; books that 
will teach you to be true and just, kind and amiable, 
and religious In this way you will secure your own 
happiness and the good opinion and esteem of youi* as- 
sociates. Study to control the temper and wayward- 
ness of 3^outh, and i-esti*ain your anger and resentments. 
Life is full of trials and misfortunes, and philosophy as 
well as Christianity, teaches us to bear with them as 
best we can. Early learn to practice under the care of 
your parents, all the ("hiistian duties, and you will then 
have a benevolent heart in unison with a cultivated 
mind. Health, too, is necssary to your happiness in 
life, and you should give special care to its culture and 
preseivation. With a good heart, a wise head and a 
sound body, you rnay boldly meet all the ditficulties of 
this world and prepare yourselves for a better one in 
Heaven. 



3 ^ J, T_v,.t-„^-*,w_^t, „-♦-,., t-, jL.t j..t i'..t ,i.t .i;.t-.--iLt i^*-,i.t- iL.t i,it k.* .E 



THl: NEW YORK CONVENTION. 

Written by GOV. PERRY in 1875. 

^^N MY \va,\ to the New York Convention, in July, 
1868, I stopped two or three days in Washing,- 
ton, for the purpose of seeino- President Johnson and 
the o-entlemen there. I saw Colonel Cooi>er, and sent 
word to the President that I wished to see hini before 
I left the city. The Colonel informed me that the 
President said he would be glad to see me at any time I 
mio-ht call. Governor Bonham, Governor Aiken and 
Colonel Jones, of Kentucky, went with me one morning- 
to the White House and we had a very pleasant inter- 
view with the President, but I had no opportunity of 
talking with him on the subject of the Democratic nomi- 
nation for President and Vice-President. President 
Johnson was a good deal interested at that time, with 
the bill before Congress making appropriation for the 
purchase of Alaska. He thought, after the treaty had 
been ratified by the Senate, it became undei- the Consti- 
tution the supreme law of the land, and it was impera- 
tive on the House to make the appropriation. I called 
to see Chief Justice Chase and General Hancock, and in 
my notice of these gentlemen, have already given the 
substance of their conversation with me. 

Before reaching New York I became satisfied that 
Judge Pendleton was the first choice of the Democracy 
West and South, but there was a, strong apprehension 
that he might not be the most available candidate, in 
consequence of his war record. In my own mind I was 
satisfied that Senator Hendricks would make a better 
rnji than Pendleton, and was therefoi-e in favor of his 
nomination. I would ha ve preferred President Johnson, 



Thk New York Convention. 381 

but the Northern Democracy had fallen out with hini 
on account of his continuinfi; radicals in his cabinet and 
his refusal to appoint Democrats to office. I thou<>ht 
the bold, manly stand taken by President Johnson in 
favor of the South, and in defence of the Constitution 
and republican principles, entitled him to the nomina- 
tion. There was a stronji' feeling in New York for the 
nomination of Judge Chase, but I did not third< it possi- 
ble for two-thirds of the Convention to concentrate on 
him. Mr. Seymour was not spoken of as likely to be 
put in nomination. It was said, too, that he would not 
accept the nomination. 

I stopped in New York with Madame Filette, where 
the South Carolina delegation had engaged lodgings. 
General Hampton, Colonel Campbell, Judge Aid rich, 
General Gary, Mr. Farmer and Colonel MuUins were all 
there. The next day, however, I went to my friend, 
John Livingston's, with the young ladies who were 
with me and there remained during the Convention. 
It was a most pleasant change from a crowded house 
to a private mansion, where we had perfect privacy and 
luxurious hospitality. The Convention assembled on 
the 4th of July, and every State and territory was fully 
represented. Horatio Seymour was made president of 
the Convention, and one vice-president appointed from 
each State. A committee of thirty-seven was nomi- 
nated by the different delegations to report a platform 
of pi'inciples for the Democratic party of the United 
States. After one or two days consultation, the com- 
mittee agreed on a platform, which was unaniimously 
adopted by the Convention. The balloting then com- 
menced for a candidate for the Presidency. Most of the 
Southern States voted several times for Andrew John- 
son, of Tennessee, as a compliment to him for the 
patriotic stand he had taken in defence of their rights 
and sovereignty. George H. Pendleton run ahead for 
several ballotings, and was finally withdrawn. New 



•i82 The New Yokk Convention. 

York vote<l for Chuicli, and Pennsylvania, for Packer. 
Senator Hendricks, of Indiana, began to secnre a strong- 
vote — Chief Justice Cliase also was spoken of pretty 
generally, and it began to be suspected that the vote 
would be, at last, between these two distinguished 
statesmen, when Ohio pivsented the name of Horatio 
Seymour. It was received with deafening cheers by th<^ 
members. Mr. Seymour rose and said he was not a can- 
didate for the nomination, and could not, in honor, 
accept it. This only seemed lo increase the desire to 
nominate him, and it was done unanimously on this 
l)allot. 

The friends of Senator Hendricks brought his name 
forward too soon, and in opposition to Judge Pendle- 
ton, which gi-eatly displeased the friends of the latter 
gentleman. If the friends of Hendricks had only waited 
till Pendleton was withdrawn, the nominee of their 
favorite would have been certain. The contest would 
have been between him and Chief Justice Chase. The 
latter had been too I'ecently the leader of the radicals to 
have received thenomiimtion. I said to General Hamp- 
ton it would be going into the enemies' cam[) for a Gen- 
eral to command our forces in battle. 

There was a splendid supper given the delegates at* 
the Manhatten Club room during the sitting of the Con- 
vention, and also a handsome dinner at Delmonico's 
after the adjournment of the Convention. At this 
dinner there were a great many patriotic speeches made 
by Charles O'Conner, (lenerals Preston, Hampton, For- 
rest, Gordon, Buckner and others. For several nights 
there were mass meetings at the Metropolitan Club 
House, which were addressed by (Jeneral Hampton, 
Governor Vance, myself and others. 

The Soldiers' Convention, composed of two thousand 
Federal officers, was sitting at the same time in New 
York and our platform was heartily endorsed by them. 
There was the greatest cordiality existing between 



The New York Convention. 388 

Southern and Northein officers when the.v met and 
talked over their battles. General Hampton was quite 
a lion in the Convention and was spoken of by the Ohio 
delegates as a candidate for the Vice- Presidency. 

Frank P. Blair was put in tiomination by Genera'J 
Hampton for Vice-Piesident and unanimously elected 
on the first ballot. He had written a vei-v stron^i- letter 
just before the Convention assembled, which gave him 
great powei'with the Southern delegates. The Radicals 
have since endeavored to make capital out of this letter 
which they denounce as revolutionary. 

On my return to South Carolina, I stopped at Mount 
Vernon and spent a day and night. It was something 
to have slept in the mansion of Washington. Miss 
Pamela Cunningham, the regent of Mount Vernon Asso- 
ciation, had kindly invited us to stay with her. This 
was'mv first visit to the residence of the Father of his 
Country, and I enjoyed it greatly, in wandering over the 
house and grounds, and reflecting on the life and char- 
acter of Washington. But the late war, and the 
piesent condition of the country, obtruded into my 
reflections and made everything sad. 




Newberry, S. C, Mhv 70. 1889. 
Mrs. B. F. Pekry. 

DeaR'Madam: It was very kind of you to send men 
copy of the beautiful, appi-opriate Tribute to Benjamin 
Frani\lin Perry, ex-Governor of South Carolinn, your 
noble departed husband. I assui-e you no one can 
appreciate it more than I do, not only because of 
the compliment your remembrance of me pays me, but 
Itecause it affords me an opportunity to read and 
familiaiize myself anew with the noble chai'acter and 
ficts of one of the purest, most disinterested, inde])end- 
cnt, fearless statesmen of South Cai'olina. I have 
known Governor Perry for many years. Soon after I 
came to the Bai-, in 1839, I beoari to attend the Courts 
at Laurens, and often met him there, and his uniform 
politeness and attention to me, a diffident youno; law- 
yer, awakened in me the warmest attachment, which 
gi-ew stront!,er and stronger the more I saw of him, and 
learned of his tru(^-heartod friendship, hi<>h-toned, in- 
dependent, bold character. My attendance at the 
liaurens courts were amonji; the most pleasant pai'ts of 
my |)rofessional life, for, as I said before, I was quite a' 
youn<i- lawyer and met with the kindest attention, not 
only from Governor Perry, but from such men as D. L. 
Wardlaw, of Abbeville, Wallace Thompson, of Union. 
.Major Henj'v, Majoi- Dean and Colonel Simpson Bobo, 
of Spartanbui'ii-. They all seemed disposed to do all 
they could to encouraj2,e me in the path of duty, which 1 
had selected for life. 

T was also pleased to see and read the sketch of your 
son William, and the (H)noratulatory letters to him 
upon his election to Congress in 1884 and 1888. 1 
have but a vev^' slight personal acquaintance with him. 
and really oidy know him by the faithfulness in which 
I hear he has dischai-ged nil the public trusts which he 



Letters. 385 

has been required to perforin. My feelings were very 
much interested in his favor during^ the last canvass. 
If he is half as clever, both in the English and the Amer- 
ican sense of the word, as his sister, my friend Mrs. 
Beattie, you cannot help being proud of him. 

Asking forgiveness for the delay in acknowledging the 
receipt of The Tribute to your noble husband, I remain 
with great respect, Your hiimble servant, 

, Lambert J. Jones. 



Collejjo of William and Mary. 

Williamsburg, Va., May 7, 1889. 
Mrs. B. F. Perry. 

My Dear Madam: Yesterday's mail brought your 
most welcome gift of the two books, Sketches by Gov- 
ernor Perry of South Carolina, and the memorial 
volume of the same distinguished man, and I beg of 
you to accept the heartiest thanks of the College of 
William and Mary for this valuable addition to its 
library. 

I have often thought it a deplorable fact that while 
the Trumbulls, Quinceys, Adamses, and others of lesser 
note in the Northern States, especially those of New 
England, have had their services to the country com- 
memorated on paper, bronze and marble, our Southern 
statesmen, of which Governor Perry is a conspicuous 
example, who can lay still greater claims to be remem- 
bered by the country, have been seemingly neglected, 
and the youth of our country brought up to think that 
there were no heroes south of Mason and Dixon's line, 
save a paltry half dozen or so ; and all this is apart 
from the intrinsic value of a record of the life and 
thoughts of a Benjamin Franklin Perry. 

Again thanking you for your kindness, 

1 am, with much respect, yours, 

Hugh S. Bird, 
Librarian. 



386 Letters. 

University of North Carolina. 
President's Office. 

Chapel Hill, N. C, Ahiy 11, 1889. 
Mrs. B. F. Perry. 

Dear Madam: I ackiio\vledo:e as o;ifts to the library 
of the university the memorial volume of your husband. 
Governor Perry, and his Sketches. They are oi'eatly 
appreciated. We have been taught for yenrs to enter- 
tain an exalted opinion of Governor Peii-y's ability and 
charactei'. Besides, the books are most interesting and 
instructive. 

With the sincerpst wishes for your health and happi- 
and with thanks for your donation. 

Very truly, 

Kemp P. Battle. 



Kentucky University. 

Lexington, May 11, 1889. 

Dear Madam: It is with unusual pleasure I acknow- 
ledge to you the receipt of the two volumes you have 
been so kind to send to the library of our university — a 
Sketch of ex-Governor Perry, your admirable husband, 
and his valuable Sketches of Eminent American States- 
men. 

Such a history as that of ex-Governor Perry should 
be studied by the young men and women of our coun- 
try, and even by the oldei-. 

I shall take pleasure in making myself, by means of 
these volumes, better acquainted with this noble 
pati'iot's life, and the placing of these books into our 
library and calling the attention of our young men to 
the historical treasures they contain. 

Accept, dear Madam, my thanks for this valuable 
gift, and my distinguished respect for yourself. 

Chas. Louis Loos, 
President of Kentucky University. 



Lktteus. 887 

[Kxtract from a letter received from J. R. Shannon, the priiiter of this 

book, and who deserves credit for the neat and appropriate 

manner in which he has accomplished the work, and has 

our oratitude for the interest he has taken in it.] 

(Greenville, S. C, May 3, 1889. 
* * * * * "You must not think it presumption in 
me in sayinij; this in reirard to Governor Perry: The 
account of the Pi-ovisional Governorship of the State 
as told by himself, jj-ives new evidence of the greatness 
and triagriimitv of Governor Perry's character. Also 
his Speech on July 3d, 1865, in the the Court House, at 
Greenville, is another instance of his wonderful political 
foresight and sagacity. In those days ordinary men 
were completely dumbfounded at the course things had 
taken, while, as is shown by his speech to his country- 
men. Governor Perry (^ould see beyond the present to 
the future when prosperity and happiness would again 
return to his beloved State, as it did in 1876, under 
General Hampton's administration. 

He vvas truly a wonderful man, and it is a sad com- 
mentary on the people of South Carolina that they did 
not have perception to see him in his true light. He 
would have proved a deliverer for the people and 
averted the great calamities that befell them, had they 
reposed in him their trust and confidence." 



ACCOUNT 



State Convention in Columbia, S. C, 
April 26, 1852. 



By governor PERRY. 



Extracts from the Southern Patriot of which he was editor 
account in the Patriot is too long to copy.) 



The 



Columbia, April ^6, 1852. 
The Convention met to-daj amidst a severe storm of 
wind and rain, whic^h the TTnion men said was an indica- 
tion that the elements \vei*e eni-a<>ed and weepin*;' at the 
object of assembling,- the sovereign power of the vState. 
* * * * "^ One hnndred and forty-thi-ep 
inembei-s apfjeai'ed at the Clerk's desk and entered their 
names. The Greenville delea-ation were all at theirpost, 
and thronjih the kindness of their friend, Mr. Frean,had 
*>ood seats selecte(J fortheni, whilst many of the mem- 
bers fonnd it difRcultto procure sears. It wassuo:g'ested 
by a friend, that our seats should not have been in 
so conspicut)us a part of th*^ hall, as we wei-e in such a 
misei-able lean minoi'ity. We replied that we preferred 
beino- in front, and were like General Scott, having' more 
apprehensions of a fire in the rear than one in front. 
******* It was an interesti no- 
sight to see such men as Judge Cheves, Judge Huger, 
Judge Bntler, Judge Evans, Judge Wardlaw, Chancellor 
Wardlaw, Chancelloi- Dunkin, Judge King, Judge Frost, 
Governor Richardson, Colonel Law and many others of 
the high dignitaries of the land coming forward to en- 
roll their names and reiuesent the people of South Caro- 
lina in theii- highest sovereign cajjacity. (chancellor 
Daro-an i-efused to attend and seift his resiunation. 



890 State Convention in 1852. 

What the Convention will do no human bein^' knows. 
The Secessionists had a meetino- Saturday night and 
came to no conclusion. They meet again to-night. It 
is likely the Co-operationists will have a caucus this 
evening. Some of the Secessionists are still for seceding, 
and some othes are for withdrawing our members of 
Congress. The Co-operationists are for adjourning 
without doing anything. But something will be done. 
The greatest interest is manifested to know what it will 
be. Colonel Orr, our member of Congress, is here. 
Messrs. Woodwai-d and Colcock are expected. Rhett 
and Butler are both here. 

Columbia, April 27, 1852. 

This morning the Convention met at 12 o'clock. Judge 
Cheves then moved that a committee be appointed to 
consider of the act of the Legislature calling the Conven- 
tion. On motion of Governor Seabrook. the number of 
the committee was twenty-one. (Governor Means was 
President of the Convention.) The Convention took a 
recess of one hour, in order to give the President ample 
time to form the committee. When the members re- 
assembled, Governor Means announced the names of the 
following gentlemen as composing the Committee: 
Judge Cheves, Governor Richardson, Governor Sea- 
brook, Judge Butler, Judge Huger, Ex-Senator Barn- 
well, Judge Evans, Judge Whitner, Judge Wardla.w. 
Judge Frost, Chancellor Wardlaw, Chanceller Dunkin. 
General Buchanan, B. F. Peri'y, Colonel Maxey Gregg. 
Colonel Bellinger, Colonel Pickens, Colonel Hayne, Gen- 
eral Harlee, General Arthur and Colonel McAlilley. 
There ai'e twelve Co-opei-ationists, eight Secessionists, 
and one Fnion man on the committee. But this time 
next year there will be a. majority of them Union men. 

A good joke was told me this morning by Governor 
Richardson. Last night both parties had a caucus. 



State Convention in 18,52. 391 

The Secessioiiists had theirs at Hunt's Hotel, and the 
Co-operationists at the State House. An okl member 
of the Convention who had never before been to Colum- 
bia in a representative eapaeity, and who is a great Se- 
cessionist, burning with separate State action, entered 
the I'oom at Hunt's Hotel, in which all the wisdom, di«- 
nitv and valor of tlie Secession party had assembled in 
caucus. The good old fire-eater was a stranger to his 
own friends, and he saw a man in the chair who he took 
to be the senior editor of the Southern Patriot. He 
supposed, of course, he had gone to the wrong caucus, 
and im mediately quit the room. Thence he went to the 
Co-operation caucus in the House of Representatives, 
boldly pushed open the door, looked about, and "seeing 
nothing of Perry," he took his seat. Colonel Aldrich 
came up to him and said : 'T presume, sir, you are mis- 
taken ; this is the Co-operation caucus, and I know you 
to be a Secessionist. Your caucus is held over at 
Hunt's Hotel." "No, Sir," replied the old man most 
emphatically; "I have just been there, and Perry was 
presiding — I see nothing of him here." "Nevertheless," 
said the Colonel, "what I tell you is true." "Very well," 
I'emarked the old man, "I shall risk it anyhow rather 
than go back to where Periy^ is presiding." 

I mentioned this joke at dinner, to Judge Huger, who 
told me that it reminded him of a remark which was 
made about himself on the Eastern Circuit, the first time 
he rode that circuit. He mentioned to the clerk, as the 
court was about to adjourn, that he was very much 
gratified with the behavior of the j)eople. He had been 
informed that they were vevy riotous during court, and 
very devils in their deportment at night. The clei"k re- 
plied : " I will tell you the cause of their good behavioi-, 
if you will take a joke." Being assured by the Judge 
that he would, if there was any wit in it — " Well, then," 
said the clerk, "they have been told that joii were the 



J592 State Convkxtion in 18r)2. 

very (leviL and would lun>^ them all in jail if they mis- 
behaved." 

The committee of twenty-one meet to-morrow at 9 
o'clock. There is a proposition to compromise the Fed- 
eral matters between the two parties, and committees 
were ap]>ointed for this j)nrpose at their two caucusses. 

In the committee there existed f>reat harmony and 
g'ood feeling-, and no disposition to do anythin«>- more 
than assert the right of secession and give an excuse for 
not exercising it at present. Judge Huger made a long 
and able speech before the committee in which he said, 
the present Federal government as formed by the Con- 
stitution, was the most perfect system of government 
in the world, or ever had been, and we ought to try and 
preserve it. 

Not agreeing with the report of the comniittee, I have 
drawn up a ])i-eanible and resolution which I shall sub- 
mit to the Convention as the report of the minority of 
one. I ivad it to the committee and it did not seem to 
meet any ver}' serious objections from any member of 
the Committee. I assert the right of every people to 
defend their lives, pro))erty and liberty, and say this is 
a right paramount to all constitutions and compacts. 
Judge Butlei- observed that he did not differ f!'om me 
much in deducing his right for a State to secede. Judge 
Wardlaw admitted that the right of secession was one 
which the people ought to understand that they might 
liave to fight for when asserted. Mi*. Barnwell remarked 
to me that he did not derive the right from the Con- 
stitution, but that it was an inalienable right, and nt)t 
l)arted with when the Federal com])a('t was pi'oved. 

There was a (juestion before the committee as to the 
right of the Convention to alter the State 'Constitution : 
and sti'ange to say. Chancellor Wardlaw. Judge Evans, 
Judge ^^'llitner and a nuijority of the committee voted 
tlint the s()\'ci(Mgii power of South Carolina had no 



State Convention in 1852. 393 

iii2;ht to alter or change their Constitution. As R. W. 
Barnwell remarked to nie afterwards, it was a strange 
contradiction to say that the Convention could throw off 
the United States and the Federal Constitution adopted 
by South Carolina,, and yet not be able to alter or change 
the State Constitution. 

Since I commenced this letter the committee of twenty- 
one reported to the Convention an ordinance declar- 
ing the right of a State to secede from the Union. The 
report was read to the Convention and made the spe- 
cial order of the day for to-morrow. You will see in the 
Columbia papers the report of the committee, and also 
the report made by myself to the Convention. Colonel 
Gregg also made a report for himself, in which he lashes 
the Co-operatiouists pretty handsomely and saya that 
they have paralyzed the action of the State. The Colo- 
nel thinks too, that submission is now inevitable and 
must prove fatal. There was also an amendment offered 
by Dr. Bellinger to give the Legislature the right to 
secede by a vote of two-thirds. There will probably be 
some discussion in the morning. 

Columbia, April SO, 1852. 
The Convention met this morning (Friday) at 10 
o'clock, and after prayer, proceeded to business. Dr. 
Bellinger offered an amendment to the report, giving 
the Legislature the right to secede by a vote of two- 
thirds, and made a speech of considerable length in de- 
fence of his amendment. The doctor is a warm Seces- 
sionist and speaks well. Judge Cheves followed in a 
short speech and moved to lay the amendment on the 
table, for the purpose of cutting off debate, which was 
carried by a large vote. I thought that discussion 
should be allowed, and that after the flourish of trum- 
pets in calling the Convention together, the members 
should not be gagged, and especially the Secessionists. 



394 State Convention in 1852. 

The report of myself as one of the committee of twenty- 
one, eanie next before the Convention, and most cour- 
teously, I was offered the opportunity of makinc^ a 
speech in defence of my repoi't, which I declined. My 
purpose had been accomplished in offering- the report, 
which defined my position. I knew it could not be 
adopted, althouj2,h many members of the Convention 
declared to me that they pi'eferred it to the report of 
the committee. Mr. R. Barnwell Rhett, our Senator, and 
the leader of the fire-eaters, said to me that I had put 
to the blush both Secessionists and Co-operationists. in 
the firm and manly position taken in my resolutions. 
He told me likewise that a distintruished leader of the 
Co-operation party had admitted the same thin«'. The 
fact is that the report of the committee verified the old 
fable of a mountain being- in labor and bringing forth a 
mouse. The State of South Carolina has been most 
angrily agitated for the last three or four years ; the 
Legislature thought the country on the broad road to 
ruin, and called a Convention of the sovereign people 
of the State to dissolve the Union and break up the 
American Republic. After twelve months delay the 
time is fixed for the meeting of the Convention, and the 
(Convention is composed of all the most learned and 
venerable men the Disunionists can muster. Great is 
the expectation as to the result of the deliberations of 
this great asseml)ly. Persons from all parts of the 
country assemble to witness the deliberations of the 
Convention, and after three days consultation and de- 
liberation, out comes a report of about ten lines, de- 
claring that we have cause for disunion, and the right 
to dissolve the Union. But that we will not dissolve 
the Union. No I'eason, no justification given for this 
apparent downright, dastardly submission ! 

I said to the Convention that it would have been bet- 
ter for both parties to publish to the world their defence 



State Convention in 1852. 395 

and histoiy of the matter. A motion was made by my 
friend, Gen. Harlee, and with my consent, to lay my re- 
port on the table. Next in order was the amendment 
of Mr. Edmund Rhett, prohibiting citizens from Massa- 
chusetts and Vermont coinino- to South Carolina, to re- 
side. The amendment was urged in a speech of some 
length by Mr. Rhett, and laid on the table by a motion 
made by Judge Cheves. Dr. Toomer then moved an 
amendment to secede forthwith, and that the Governor 
be invested with dictatorial powers till a Southern Con- 
federacy is formed. This is no joke, nor was it intended 
as a joke by the mover. Mr. Adams then moved as 
a substitute for the report, that in consequence of the 
people having decided against secession in October last, 
this Convention now adjourn. The motion was lost. 
Col. Memminger then introduced a long essay in defence 
of co-operation, which he read, and desired might be 
printed, and laid on the table. Col. Cunningham ob- 
jected to its reception in a speech of some warmth. Col. 
Pickens moved not to print, and made a few remarks. 
Judge Butler said as an act of courtesy, he hoped Col. 
Cunningham would withdraw his motion. The paper 
was laid on the table and not ordered to be printed. 
The report of the committee was then adopted by a vote 
of one hundred and thirty-five to twent3\ The Conven- 
tion then took a recess till 5 o'clock. 

At 5 o'clock the Convention assembled and did a good 
deal of little business. On motion Judge Evans took 
the chair, and Judge Butler presented a resolution of 
thanks to the President of the Convention. Governor 
Means having resumed the chair, Judge Evans made a 
very pretty speech, and read the resolution. The Gov- 
ernor replied in a very appropriate speech and said it 
did not become him to speak of the wisdom of their pro- 
ceedings, but that he would say the}^ would all part as 
friends. The ordinance being ratified, the Convention, 



396 .State Convention in 1852. 

on motion of Jud^'e Cheves, adjourned sine die, and was 
dissolved. '' This ends the chapter of submission," said 
General Jones, of Edgefield, to me, as we were al:)out 
leaving our seats. This is indeed "submission'' without 
having a good reason assigned for the act. 

Sunday after the adiournment of the Convention was a, 
dull day. When I saw Messrs. Brockman, Duncan and 
Center leave Maybin's Hotel for Greenville, my heart 
felt sad at the thought of being compelled to remain 
another week in Columbia, for the purpose of attending 
the Court of Appeals. The town, however, was enlivened 
by a military parade. A fine company of militia was 
on a visit to Columbia. There were thi-ee or four other 
companies mustering. Never have I seen such precision 
and exactness in nmrching and in the performance of all 
their evolutions. From the third story of Maybin's Hotel, 
my little son said each company looked like some huge 
animal with a. hundred legs on each side, which he moved 
at once. In the ni<i-ht there was a torch light pro- 
cession and a grand to do. At first I thought it was the 
Secessionists, in a mock celebration of the triumph of 
submission. As a finality to the proceedings of the Con- 
vention. 

Sunday I went to church with my friend Col. Daw- 
kins, and we heard a most able, eloquent and impi-es- 
sive sermon from Dr. Thornwell, the President of the 
College. It was on the truth of the Bible. Really it is 
a treat to hear such a divine, and when I looked around 
me, I saw so few jiersons except the students of the Col- 
lege, I felt a deep regi-et that this sermon should not 
have been heard by thousands. 

You have probably heard that the Hon. R. B. Rhett 
has resio'ued his seat in the Senate of the United States. 
I tliink this is the bi-ightest feather in his cap, and 
evinces the true spirit of the Chevalier and Patriot. He 
has honestly and sedulously tried to break u])the Union, 



State Convkxtiox in l<sr)2. :\\)7 

and the people nnrl roiiveiitiou have decifled atiaiiisf 
him. Now he says to then;, yon have no fni-ther need 
for my services. Select some one who will cany out 
your submission and nnion doctrines and think it no 
sin to serve and be fed, by a power which he denounces 
as a vulo:ar tyranny, and the oppression of his own 
State and political mother! Though I diffei' totally 
from the truth of Mr. Rhett's premises, yet I admire his 
noble and patriotic, disinterested and spirited concln- 
sion. Who will be his successor no one knows. Messrs. 
Pickens, Richardson, Seabrook, Barnwell, Youn^-, De 
Sanssure and others have been spoken of as most likely 
to receive the temporary appointment. The appoint- 
ment will not be made for ten or fifteen days. His Ex- 
cellency Governor Means is waiting- to see and consult 
his friends about The matter. 

It is admitted on all sides that the political princi- 
ples of the Southern Patriot are now triumphant. The 
Union is safe, the compromise acquiesced in, and ])ea(*e 
restored to our State. Col. VVm. C. Preston said the 
other day to a friend of ours, that the course of the Pa- 
triot had been ''like the stearJy tramp of a Roman Le- 
mon J' 



Arkansas Inihistuial UmvEiiSiTY, 

Dp:partmknt of History, English and 
Modern Languages. 

Fayetteville, Ark., June 15, 1889. 
Mrs. B. ¥. Perry, Greenvilh, S. C. 

Please accept the ackiiovvledg:enierits of faculty and 
students of the University for the valuable ^ift to the 
library of the volume of your husband's "Biographi- 
cal Sketches of Eminent American Statesmen." 

As Southern men we are especially interested in all 
historical matter tending; to free the South from mis- 
representation, and we welcome this volume as well 
calculated to aid in the sacred work. Aj^ain we assure 
you of our hio:h appreciation of your courtesy and 
kindness, Very respectfully and sincerely, 

Howard Edwards, 

Librarian, A. I. U. 



A HUMBLE TRIBUTE. 



Reflections at the Grave of Ex-Governor B. F, Perry, 



By a friend, ROBERT McKAY. 

GREENVILLE, S. C, JUNE, 1889. 



EST in the silent grave, noble, cherished friend. 
Thy honor, name and fame thy country will defend : 
?' All that is mortal here may perish and decay, 
But thy blest memory will never fade away. 

"The world is better that he lived" — oh, how true ! 
Generations unborn thy precepts will review : 
In naming her statesmen, all standing side by side. 
The old Palmetto State will lisp thy name with pride. 

Though affection may cease her visits to th}^ tomb ; 
And this endearing spot become a scene of gloom ; 
These monuments of love may crumble to the ground, 
Still thy cherished name in story will be found. 

While the fame of statesmen in history shall stupid, 
Posterity hold dear the noble and the grand ; 
When South Carolina surveys her roll of fame. 
She will repeat with pride and emphasize thy name. 

His noble heart was large as was his manly form ; 
His friendship was sincere, affection pure and warm ; 
He did not seek to gain the multitude's applause, 
When duty called him to advocate a cause. 



a 



Ready to give aid to all those who were in need ; 
And to all in trouble he was a friend indeed : 
He was ever candid, a stranger to deceit : 
Oh ! it was a pleasure so kind a soul to greet ! 

Yes, I have seen him weep ! tears would instinctive start, 
When pity's trembling tones vibrated through his heart : 
His love and affection was lasting and sincere ; 
And the sweet joys of Home filled his heart with cheer. 

Oh ! I remember well, and cherish it with joy. 
When I was an orphan, an humble printer boy ; 
Often in his office, where duty bade me go, 
I recall his kindness near sixty years ago. 

He loved his country, her honor and her name ; 
His time and his talents were given to her fame : 
Faithful to his duties, when wanted, alvvaj's there : 
Well may the country ask, who now can fill his chair ? 




